On the day his son's killer was found guilty, a father remembers his son, a North County police officer who was shot to death two year ago while on patrol.
Meki Gaono showed no emotion as the court clerk read the series of guilty verdicts -- charges of murder, lying in wait, killing a peace officer, committing those crimes to benefit a gang -- on Monday.
Officer Dan Bessant's father, Steve, said his family has some relief, now that both defendants are convicted, but that he would give anything to have his son back.
"He lit up a room," Bessant's father, Steve, said. "He was joyful. He could -- you know, one of those people who could sell snow to Eskimos. You know, one of those guys and would always get people energized, wanting to do the fun, new thing. He was really just a bright spot in everyone's life."
Jurors deliberated for three days, discussing evidence that included a videotaped confession that Gaono gave to detectives just hours after the shooting. After the verdict was read, the jury foreman said the panel had a hard time reaching the guilty verdict, because jurors known it meant that a young man was would spend the rest of his life in prison with no chance of parole.
The jury foreman said jurors also had a long discussion about Gaono's confession and whether detectives pressured the defendant into making those statements.
Gaono's grandfather said the family has strong Christian values and believes Gaono can still redeem himself behind bars.
Gaono is due back in court May 19 for sentencing.
