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Man who drove car into crowd at white nationalist rally in Charlottesville found guilty

James Fields has been found guilty of first-degree murder, five counts of aggravated malicious wounding, three counts of malicious wounding and leaving the scene of an accident.
James Alex Fields Jr. of Maumee, Ohio poses for a mugshot after he allegedly drove his car into a crowd of counter-protesters killing one and injuring 35 on August 12, 2017.(Photo by Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail via Getty Images)

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. -- A man who drove his car into a crowd of counterprotesters at a white nationalist rally in Virginia has been convicted of first-degree murder.

In delivering its verdict late Friday afternoon, the jury rejected arguments by lawyers for James Alex Fields Jr. that he acted in self-defense.

Prosecutors said Fields drove his car directly into a crowd of counterprotesters at the "Unite the Right" rally in Charlottesville on Aug. 12, 2017, because he was angry after witnessing earlier violent clashes between the two sides. The rally was held to protest the planned removal of a statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee.

Fields' lawyers told the jury he feared for his life after witnessing the violence.

The 21-year-old Fields of Maumee, Ohio, faces up to life in prison at sentencing.

Stay with WUSA for more on this developing story.

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