Man sentenced for killing VB detective

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - Michael Moyd will likely spend 68 years in prison for his role in the 2008 slaying of a Virginia Beach undercover detective. The jury returned with that recommended sentence Wednesday afternoon.

Moyd was found guilty of first degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, possession of a sawed-off shotgun, robbery, and use of a firearm in court Tuesday.

Prosecutors say Moyd arranged a drug deal that led to the fatal shooting of Detective Michael Phillips at a shopping center on Aug. 7, 2008.

The Phillips family released the following statement following the verdict:

"Our family is very pleased with the verdict of the trial. We would like to thank the Commonwealth's Attorneys and their office for all of their hard work, and the jury for their time and dedication. We would also like to thank the Virginia Beach Police Department, especially the Detectives in Homicide and those in Special Investigations.

We know losing Mike wasn't just our loss, or a loss of a fellow officer, but a loss to the Virginia Beach community. Mike's death will never have closure - as he touched so many lives - but today we have justice."

Co-defendant Ted Vincent Carter pleaded guilty in 2010 to killing Phillips. He is serving a life sentence without parole.

Moyd will be back in court on January 25, 2012 for formal sentencing.