A Graysville, Tenn.. man was found guilty of murdering a Dayton man whose dead body was discovered in a bathtub in July 2008.
The jury found William Thomas Minton, 42, guilty of second-degree murder, felony second-degree murder and aggravated robbery after a three-hour deliberation in the Rhea County courthouse.
Larry Roddy, Mr. Minton's attorney, said, "We were quite disappointed in (the decision) but we plan to appeal it."
While Mr. Minton was originally indicted for first-degree premeditated murder, felony first-degree murder and aggravated robbery, the jury reduced the charges on Friday.
"We understand the decision-making process of the jury and we are satisfied with the decision," said Will Dunn, assistant district attorney.
Mr. Dunn did not prosecute the case but he spoke on behalf of 12th District Attorney General J. Michael Taylor and Assistant District Attorney Jim Pope, who represented the case. Neither Mr. Taylor or Mr. Pope was available for comment.
Because one of Mr. Minton's convictions was a felony murder count, he faces between 15 and 40 years in prison, Mr. Dunn said. The aggravated robbery conviction could result in eight to 20 years in prison, he said.
The sentencing hearing is set for March 4.
During the two-day trial, the prosecutors argued that Mr. Minton stomped and strangled the victim, Carlos McCuiston Jr., then left his body in a tub, Mr. Roddy said.
The police did not find any bloody tracks when Mr. Minton was found unconscious outside the house -- a factor Mr. Roddy said should have helped build his case.
According to the police report, officers found boot prints that matched Mr. Minton's boots in the blood on the tub. Officers found a large amount of a red substance and several hairs on the bottom of Mr. Minton's boots when he was found outside the apartment on Memorial Street, reports show.
On Mr. Minton, officers found a watch, chain, ring and pendant that belonged to Mr. McCuiston, reports show.