SAN ANTONIO – A jury on Monday found a 42-year-old man guilty of killing his childhood friend and stuffing his body in a 55-gallon barrel.
Jurors deliberated for more than four hours before returning a guilty verdict for George Oscar Pena.
Prosecutors said Pena shot Juan Ramiro Martinez seven times during an argument in April 2018 in the defendant's backyard.
More from George Pena Trial:
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Murder victim's body found in 55-gallon barrel; suspect's trial begins
Pena slashed Martinez's throat and stuffed his body in a barrel, prosecutors said.
The defendant testified during the trial that he didn't shoot the victim.
The punishment phase of the trial began soon after the verdict was read.
Pena could face a maximum of up to life in prison.