Cordova Widow finally has some closure - CBS4 - WHBF Quad Cities, IL-IA News Weather Sports

Cordova Widow finally has some closure

By: Christine Souders

csouders@cbs4qc.com

A 22-year-old man has been found guilty of murdering an Iowa City landlord.  

Justin Marshall was convicted Thursday in the death of John Versypt, 64, of Cordova.

In October of 2009, Marshall and 2 others were involved in shooting Versypt in the head during an attempted robbery.

One of the other men, Charles Thompson, pleaded guilty last June for taking part in the crime, and the third man, Courtney White's murder trial has been delayed until this spring.

John Versypt's family tells CBS 4, the guilty verdict brings some closure.  

We talked to Janet Versypt when she got home from court in Iowa City.

She said during the past two days of deliberation were tough, but she's grateful some justice has finally been served, after a long 3 years without her husband.

Janet Versypt said her husband loved his family, but he also loved his 'baby,' a red '67 Pontiac.

A picture of John in his vintage ride, was the last one ever taken of him.

He was shot to death a week later.  

"You know he was murdered, but you don't know what happened, all the pieces, putting them together and finally getting a big picture, or getting the whole picture helps so much," said Janet who told us she's relieved a jury found  Justin Marshall guilty of taking away her husband of 35 years.

"When they came back with guilty, it's a hard thing to hear, but it's a good thing to hear. But you never want to see a young person have to go through life in prison."

But Janet also said it doesn't make life without John any easier, "Justin got what he deserved, and we can move on from here now."  

Janet said she will be back in Iowa City when Marshall is sentenced in April.