JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A jury Thursday evening convicted Christopher Hoffman of felony battery in the death of a man at a bonfire party brawl.
The verdict came down just before 6:30 p.m., after several hours of deliberations.
"It was more appropriate than what was brought before court," said Hoffman's attorney James Hill.
Closing arguments for both sides wrapped up around 3 p.m. Thursday.
Prosecutors say Hoffman, 25, killed Ryan Ford, 19, in a fist fight at a bonfire party in Mandarin January 2013.
It called witnesses who claimed more than a dozen people were fighting at the bonfire.
Ford's sister, Kristi Ford, testified Tuesday that she saw Hoffman pummeling her brother as he lay unconscious on the ground.
"No I don't think it was a fair verdict," she said after the verdict.
Another man, Robert Cline, admits to punching Ford first. Battery charges are pending against him.
Hoffman faced second-degree murder charges.
"I wish it had come out better but it could've been worse," said Hoffman's great uncle Robert Hays.
WJAX
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