Stevens County, WA: In brief: Retired pastor found guilty of killing wife in Stevens County

A Stevens County jury convicted a retired pastor Friday of killing his wife in 2009 after she indicated she was leaving him.

The jury deliberated two hours before finding Craig R. Cosby, 70, guilty of first-degree murder in connection with the Oct. 3, 2009, killing of his wife, 53-year-old Susan M. Cosby. The jury’s verdict also included sentencing enhancements for the use of a firearm and a crime of domestic violence, which carries a potential sentence of life in prison.

Cosby was arrested in the front yard of his home in Marcus, a small town along the Columbia River in northern Stevens County. Investigators found that Cosby shot his wife with 10 bullets from a .40-caliber handgun, Stevens County Prosecutor Tim Rasmussen said.

Sentencing has been set for April 17. With the conviction, Cosby faces a minimum of 25 years to life in prison.