Fort Bragg Sergeant Found Guilty In Murder Of Girlfriend's Husband

A Fort Bragg soldier has been found guilty of murder, conspiring to commit murder and obstruction of justice in the death of his girlfriend's husband, a Pope Airman.

A panel of three officers and three enlisted soldiers deliberated just four hours Monday before declaring Staff Sgt. John Diamond guilty.

Diamond, a infantryman assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, was charged with the murder of Air Force Capt. Marty Theer, conspiring with Theer's wife, Michelle Theer, to commit murder, adultery with Mrs. Theer, obstruction of justice and illegally transporting and storing a privately owned weapon in violation of a lawful General Order.

Diamond has been confined at Camp Lejeune since February 21. He was formally charged by the military with murder, conspiracy and adultery March 9.

Diamond pled guilty to committing adultery with Michelle Theer and to illegally transporting and storing a privately owned weapon on post during the first day of his trial, Aug. 20.

Prosecutors say Diamond and Michelle Theer killed for a half-million dollar insurance policy. The defense say Mrs. Theer committed the murder and then set up Diamond.

Michelle Theer has never been charged in her husband's death, but Fayetteville police say she is still a suspect.

The sentencing phase will begin 9 a.m. Tuesday. Diamond could spend the rest of his life in confinement without the possibility of parole.