Man who shot Pocatello police officers found guilty on multiple counts of aggravated battery and assault - East Idaho News

The jury trial of Todd Vernon Brewer, 45, concluded with a verdict of guilty on all charges after nearly nine hours of deliberation. Brewer was found guilty of two counts of aggravated battery on certain personnel and two counts of aggravated assault stemming from a confrontation with police officers on May 5, 2022. The trial spanned from Monday to Friday and featured testimony from both Brewer and the involved Pocatello Police officers.

The incident occurred early in the morning when officers Demetrius Amos and Mackenzie Handel responded to an emergency call from one of two victims at Brewer's residence. The caller reported feeling threatened by Brewer, who brandished a handgun and an AR-15 rifle. When the officers arrived and instructed Brewer to drop the weapon, he opened fire, striking both officers before being hit as well.

Prosecutor Ian Johnson argued that Brewer compromised his ability to make rational decisions after consuming alcohol while also taking medication for his mental illness. Johnson insisted that Brewer's actions were a result of his own choices, illustrating the victim's fear during the event and asserting that Brewer exited his home with the intent to confront perceived "gangstalkers," not to defend himself.

The defense contended that Brewer did not recognize Amos and Handel as police officers, focusing instead on his belief that he was being threatened by "gangstalkers." Defense attorney Andrew argued that Brewer did not hear the emergency call and was solely concentrated on the perceived danger outside his home, suggesting that Brewer only fired in self-defense.

Following the jury's verdict, District Judge Javier Gabiola scheduled Brewer's sentencing for June 12, agreeing to a request for a psychological evaluation prior to sentencing. If convicted on all counts, Brewer faces a potential maximum sentence of up to 90 years in prison.