Bluffdale man guilty of attempted murder in neighborhood watch shooting

WEST JORDAN — As Paige Campos watched a court bailiff shackle the wrists of her father, there wasn't time to say anything. But she made sure the love she has for him showed.

"Not words, just eye contact," she said. "I tried to express all the love I have for him. He's the greatest father a girl could ask for."

Her father, Reginald George Campos, 44, was found guilty of attempted murder, a first-degree felony, and two counts of aggravated assault, a third-degree felony, by a five-man, three-woman jury Wednesday. The verdict came after just three hours of deliberation following a three-day trial.

Campos was immediately taken into custody and will be sentenced Sept. 2. He faces a potential sentence of three years to life in prison.

"We're very sorry for the Campos family and their loss, but we're glad the truth finally did come out," victim David Serbeck said following the verdict.

Reginald Campos' nephew, Jim, said the family was "shocked" when they heard the verdict and were "really disappointed" that they found his uncle guilty on all counts.

"It's not a slam on the jurors," he said. "It's a difficult job, but we don't agree. As a family, we are here to support Reggie."

He spoke of the size and the strength of the family and said they will look after Reginald Campos' wife and four children and continue to show love and support to him. He said the violent, irrational man described in court does not represent his uncle as he knows him.

"I know my uncle, I know how he works and this is totally out of character for him," Jim Campos said. "I don't believe it. But there are two victims in this case. Our family and Mr. Serbeck's family."

Serbeck was also sensitive to the Campos family's loss, advising his friends to restrain themselves regardless of the verdict before the jury came into the courtroom.

"He has a family as well," he said. "My heart goes out to his family. This is something they have to live with. … On both sides, we're effected either way. It's very difficult to be a middle-aged man and have everything taken away from you."

Emotions were high during the final day of trial Wednesday. Attorneys on both sides of the case worked to sway the jury during closing arguments. Either Campos was enraged and irrational when he confronted Serbeck in their Bluffdale neighborhood, or Campos believed that he and his teenage daughter were in danger and he needed to protect them.