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Man convicted in killing of decorated military couple in front yard of their Virginia home

A jury of Fairfax County residents found Ronnie Marshall guilty of aggravated murder and two counts of use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.

SPRINGFIELD, Va. — Editor's note: The video attached to this article is from May 27, 2021.

A Virginia man was found guilty of killing a decorated military couple in Fairfax County, Virginia. 

Ronnie Marshall, 21, was convicted after a week-long trial on murder and weapons charges in connection to an execution-style murder of a married couple on May 26, 2021. Fairfax County Commonwealth's Attorney Steve Descano made the announcement Wednesday.

Fairfax County police said they believe the deaths of Edward and Brenda McDaniel were connected to a dispute or burglary at the house.

“This was a highly emotional and tragic case that ended the lives of two respected members of the Army and our community,” Descano in a statement.  “Mr. and Mrs. McDaniel were killed in their own driveway while taking their dog for a walk.”

Officials said two days before the couple was slain, Marshall broke into the family's home, where Edward McDaniel met him with a shotgun and demanded he leave. However, prosecutors said, Marshall returned on May 26 and killed the couple.

The shooting happened just after 9 a.m. in the 8000 block of Flint Street, police said. There were family members inside the home when the shooting happened, Fairfax County Chief Kevin Davis said. Marshall faces up to life in prison for the murder convictions. 

“We in Fairfax County have no tolerance for such disregard for human life and I’m pleased the jury saw this shooting for what it was — cold blooded murder,” Descano said. “While there are no winners in a case like this, I’m glad Mr. Marshall is being held accountable for his crimes, and I hope this conviction brings some level of closure to the McDaniel family.”

A jury filled with Fairfax County residents found Marshall guilty of aggravated murder and two counts of use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. Aggravated murder applies when two or more people are killed in the same incident.

Marshall remains in custody without bond, officials said, his sentencing hearing has been scheduled for February 24, 2023.

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