JEFFERSON COUNTY — A Jefferson County jury returned a guilty verdict Tuesday in the first-degree murder trial of a 19-year-old Mt. Vernon man.

Roderick S. Oats Jr., was found guilty of first-degree murder with the discharge of a firearm and aggravated battery with the discharge of a firearm for the July 9, 2017,shooting death of 20-year-old Carlos Johnson in the 700 block of South 25th Street in Mt. Vernon.

Following the return of the guilty verdicts, Jefferson County State’s Attorney Sean Featherstun thanked Detective Justin Haney and the Mt. Vernon Police Department for their work on the Roderick case, and Assistant State’s Attorney Julie Kozuszek for trying the case with him.

“No judgment of guilt can bring Carlos Johnson back to a family that misses him dearly, but we are grateful for the Jury’s service and their verdict as it does bring justice and some measure of closure to Carlos’ family,” Featherstun commented.

According to Featherstun, Oats is facing a minimum of 45-years in prison on each count and could be sentenced up to life in prison.

A status hearing on the sentencing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. October 2.