Jury Finds Sperry Man Guilty In ODOT Worker's Death

Jurors recommended the minimum sentence for a Sperry man in the death of an Oklahoma Department of Transportation employee. Deven Franklin was found guilty of first degree manslaughter Friday evening.

The jury of 11 women and one man recommended a four-year term for Franklin in the death of Ira Henderson in November, 2011. The maximum punishment is life imprisonment.

2/25/2013 Related Story: Bartlesville Trial Underway In ODOT Worker Death

The jury deliberated for several hours before telling the judge they were having difficulty coming to a verdict. After instructions from the judge, they returned with a guilty verdict two hours later, according to Mike Saunders of Bartlesville Radio.

Franklin was also found guilty of possession of a controlled substance (marijuana) and possession of paraphernalia.

If Judge Russell Vaclaw follows the jury recommendation, Franklin will serve almost 41 months as it is an 85 percent crime.

Franklin claimed he was unconscious due to diabetes when his car struck and killed Ira Henderson, 42. The prosecution said Franklin was high on marijuana.

9/25/2013 Related Story: State Names Section Of Highway 75 For ODOT Employee Killed On The Job