Butler found guilty in '07 murders

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - A jury found Charles Butler guilty of murder Monday in connection with a double shooting in January, 2007. After deliberating for nearly an hour, the jury recommended a 54 year sentence for Butler.

Charles Lorenzo Butler was found guilty of Attempted Second Degree Murder and Use of a Firearm in Commission of a Felony in the case of victim Hector Diaz, and guilty of First Degree Murder and Use of a Firearm in Commission of a Felony in the case of Michael Porter.

Butler and an accomplice, Steven Breaux were charged for the shooting deaths of two men outside of Ocean's Cabaret, a gentlemen's club in 2007.

Following the murder's the two suspects fled the scene and were captured a couple of hundred yards behind the club where they had been hiding in a ditch under thick brush.

As the investigation unfolded, it was found that Butler and Breaux were asked to leave the club, and were escorted out of the front door. They opened fire once in the parking lot striking, two sailors, Mark Van Horn and Michael Porter and an off duty Portsmouth Police Officer, Hector Diaz.

Diaz was the only victim who survived his injuries. The two sailors died on the scene.

Porter's younger brother David told the court that he has found it hard to sleep since his brother was killed. "I lost my brother, my best friend," he said. "I learned everything from him."

Butler's father Chester testified, "I raised my son to respect others. Sometimes kids don't do the things parents want them to." He offered his condolences to the victims' families before watching his son walk out of court to serve 54 years in prison.

Butler's accomplice, Steven Breaux, was convicted of killing the two sailors and sentenced in February to 93 years in prison for the shootings.

Formal sentencing has been set for May 25.