SPOKANE-- Patrick Gibson, accused of murdering furniture store owner Brian Cole 20 years ago, was found guilty Wednesday.
Prosecutors say Patrick Gibson shot and killed Brian Cole during a violent Spokane Valley robbery.
Until last year, the case had been cold. Advances in DNA technology helped authorities track down the murder suspect last year.
It was November of 1992 when a man wearing a hat, sunglasses and a fake beard entered Cole's Traditions in Oak, demanded money, and then gunned down owner Brian Cole. Cole was shot in the head and chest and died from his injuries.
19 years later, deputies cracked the case thanks to advances in DNA.
Patrick Gibson was arrested in Western Washington last May. Gibson was transported to Spokane and his trial began.
Prosecutors called several witnesses to the stand, including the victim's wife. The courtroom listened to the 911 call made by Mrs. Cole the night of the murder. Many people in the room were visibly shaken up, but Gibson sat emotionless.
When prosecutors asked Mrs. Cole if she could identify anyone in the room, she pointed to Gibson and said "That's the man."
A woman who was only 18 years old at the time of the murder was also called to the stand. She was driving down the street when she saw the suspect, wearing a beard and a hat, walking toward the furniture store.
In court on Wednesday Gibson appeared calm.
A judge found Gibson guilty after reviewing witness testimony.
While Gibson exited the court room he yelled a profanity at the friends and family of Cole.
