MEMPHIS, TN - Shelby County District Attorney Bill Gibbons announced Friday that a jury had convicted a Memphis man for a 2005 murder at a downtown Memphis apartment complex.

The jury found Bert Newby, 24, guilty as indicted for first degree murder and aggravated assault. Newby was sentenced to life in prison.
Newby shot and killed John Whitaker on October 15, 2005 as the victim answered the door to his apartment on Exchange.  Ten days prior, Newby struck Whitaker with a handgun, causing a laceration on the side of his head.

First degree murder is a charge covered by the District Attorney's "No Deals" policy on violent crimes.

Assistant District Attorneys David Zak and Corliss Shaw prosecuted this case.