SAN FRANCISCO >> A jury found Jonathan Antonio Mota guilty in federal court for the 2013 murder of Forrest Seagrave.
The decision in San Francisco federal court on July 5 brings to a close almost three years of delays and continuations in the case involving two Kelseyville men.
On Jan. 18, 2013 at approximately 10:45 p.m., Mota entered Store 24, or Mt. Konocti Gas & Mart, in Kelseyville intent on robbery. As he exited the store he shot and killed Seagrave, a clerk working at the time.
Although indicted in federal court in June of 2013, numerous motion hearings, pretrial conferences and postponements — the last just a week before a schedule trial date in March — delayed proceedings. When the jury finally received the case on June 28, they required two and a half days of deliberation before reaching a decision.
Mota was found guilty on counts of robbery affecting interstate commerce, the use of a firearm in a violent crime and murder caused by firearm.
A fourth charge — felon in possession of a firearm — was to be considered separately. However, after the jury decision the government made a motion to dismiss the final charge.
The prosecution called 33 witnesses to testify against Mota, including law enforcement officers, investigators and experts. Mota, who represented himself in defense with the aid of advisory counsel, made a motion for acquittal. He claimed evidence against him was lacking, which the judge denied.
Mota called just five witnesses, grilling one law enforcement officer for a day and a half. Mota did not testify in his own behalf.
Sentencing in the matter is scheduled for Oct. 28.
