Attorney For OKC Man Found Guilty Of Killing 94-Year-Old Neighbor Reacts To Verdict

An Oklahoma County jury on Tuesday found a former metro law officer guilty of first-degree murder. The jury recommended Robert Hashagen to a sentence of life in prison with the possibility of parole.

He was convicted of the 2013 burglary and beating death of his neighbor 94-year-old Evelyn Goodall.

Only the defense commented after the verdict was read in court. Hashagen’s attorney said they were disappointed but respected the jury’s decision.

News 9’s camera was allowed in the courtroom when the jury came back after three hours of deliberations. Hashagan did not have a reaction to the guilty verdict but his family was visibly upset.

The trial was seven days of testimony from 30 witnesses. Prosecutors brought in DNA evidence that linked Hashagen to the crime scene. His DNA was found in two places in his elderly neighbor’s home.

Hashagen's attorney commented about the evidence that convicted his client.

“I think DNA cases are an uphill battle,” said Clay Curtis, Hashagen’s attorney. “I think the reality is, I think the average person doesn’t understand DNA and the ways it can be efficiently used and understood. I think until we do better understand it, these types of DNA cold cases or DNA cases are always ripe for the potential of a wrongful conviction.”

Hashagen’s formal sentencing was set for March 4. He does plan to appeal the conviction.