Man accused of killing childhood friend, stuffing his body in barrel found guilty of murder

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:

Accused killer: 'I did not shoot him'

ME's office: Murder victim shot 7 times, stabbed 13

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.