Deliberations Begin in Murder of Fox Executive

Jurors began deliberations Friday morning in the murder of Fox Entertainment executive Gavin Smith, who prosecutors say was killed by a convicted drug dealer in a jealous rage.

"The defendant viciously beat Gavin Smith to death," L.A. County Deputy District Attorney Bobby Grace told the jury during a final closing argument.

"Gavin Smith was executed in cold blood by this defendant, who hit him repeatedly in the face," Grace said, and urged jurors to ignore defense claims the death in 2012 was justifiable self defense.

John Creech faces a charge of first degree murder with the special allegation of lying in wait.

Creech testified earlier this week that Smith started a fight after Creech caught Smith with Creech's wife.

Creech said he panicked after he'd killed Smith by smashing his skull with his bare hands, and, after consulting with defense lawyers, decided to bury Smith's body in the desert, rather than call police.

Smith's body was found more than a year later, and Creech, who was by then serving a jail term for drug trafficking, was indicted for the murder.


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