EASTON, Pa. (AP) - A northeastern Pennsylvania jury has convicted a man of first-degree murder and conspiracy in what prosecutors called a revenge slaying more than a decade ago.
The Northampton County panel deliberated for about four hours Tuesday before convicting 39-year-old Jacob Holmes. The panel must now decide whether the defendant should be executed or should spend life in prison without possibility of parole.
Prosecutors said the Easton resident shot 24-year-old Miguel Aponte at least five times in the back after forcing his way into the back door of the Easton Cafe in 2009. District Attorney Terence Houck said Holmes was seeking revenge for the 2006 murder of a friend. Aponte had been released from prison on charges related to the slaying.
Defense attorney Brian Monahan argued that the prosecution case was based on unreliable witnesses and cited a lack of fingerprint or DNA evidence linking Holmes to the crime. The defendant had told police he was at home on the day of the slaying.
The penalty phase of the trial is scheduled to start Friday due to the approaching snowstorm.
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