Vermont man found guilty of attempted murder in shooting of three Palestinian students

A jury in Vermont has found local resident Jason Eaton guilty of attempted second-degree murder. The charge stemmed from a shooting in which three Palestinian college students were wounded.

The verdict

The conviction means jurors determined Eaton's actions met the legal standard for attempted second-degree murder, rather than the more serious charge of attempted first-degree murder, which typically requires proof of premeditation. Even so, attempted second-degree murder remains a serious felony under U.S. law and can carry a lengthy prison sentence.

Background

The case drew significant public and media attention because the victims were college students of Palestinian descent studying in the United States. Details such as the exact sentencing date and the potential length of Eaton's punishment have not yet been made public.

The case will now move to the sentencing phase, where a court will determine the punishment under Vermont state law.