(CENTREVILLE) – A guilty verdict has been returned against Zachary Patten for the murder of Shane Richardson.

St. Joseph County Circuit Court personnel say the jury returned their verdict just after 10 AM Friday against the 32 year old Portage man. It came after the attorney's rested their cases and gave their closing
arguments Thursday afternoon.

The jury found Patten guilty of First Degree Murder, First Degree Felony Murder, First Degree Home Invasion and Felony Firearms.

Patten was arrested July 21, 2017 after turning himself in to police officers in South Bend, Indiana, a day after he shot and killed two people in two different incidents.

The 29 year old Richardson was married to Patten's ex-wife. Patten drove to his ex-wife's house in the 16,000 block of Featherstone Road at 10:15 PM July 20. Patten was told to leave, but broke into the house and got into an altercation with Richardson, and then shot him. Richardson was taken to Three Rivers Health where he passed away a short time later.

Patten was found guilty in Kalamazoo County of first degree murder, carrying a concealed weapon and felony firearms in the death of 31 Graciela Portillo-Esparza. She was shot a few hours before Richardson was shot. Esparza got between her brother and Patten, who were arguing,
and was shot by Patten.

Patten will be sentenced in St. Joseph County on June 21.