A Christiana man was convicted Friday of first-degree murder for shooting 22-year-old Julius Dale last year.
A Lancaster County jury deliberated over four hours over two days before convicting 32-year-old Lucas Newnam just before noon on Friday.
Assistant District Attorney Travis Anderson presented evidence at the week-long trial that Newnam, with a shotgun, fatally shot Dale in the chest on May 27, 2016, at a home on Creek Road.
Anderson argued and presented evidence that Dale, while armed, did not draw his firearm - which was holstered - and made no threatening maneuvers toward Newnam.
Newnam faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.
“The jury paid careful attention throughout the trial, and they reached the correct verdict based on the evidence,” Anderson said after the verdict. “I hope this brings a measure of peace and closure to the Dale family.”
County Judge Donald Totaro, who presided over the trial, will order sentence on Aug. 9.
A jury was selected Monday; the attorneys presented closing arguments Thursday afternoon.
Among the witnesses Anderson called to testify were acquaintances of Newnam and Dale, including some who were at the home at the time of the shooting.
Newnam also testified.
Newnam and Dale formerly lived together at the Creek Road home.
After the shooting, Newnam fled and hid in a wooded area until the next morning, when he was arrested.
Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Michael Snyder filed charges.
MEDIA CONTACT: Brett A. Hambright, 717-295-2041; bhambright@co.lancaster.pa.us; Twitter: @BrettHambright