BREAKING: Phelps found guilty of first-degree murder

Posted on July 24, 2013

Jurors took less than an hour Tuesday evening, July 23, to return a guilty verdict in the murder trial of Lloyd Phelps, 59.

Phelps was found guilty of first-degree murder for the 2006 death of Patricia “Niece” Knight. The five-man, one-woman jury also found him guilty of tampering with evidence (disposing of Knight’s body, which has never been found).

Following the verdict, Judge Greg Parker immediately proceeded into sentencing.

“First degree murder carries a mandatory life sentence,” he said.

Phelps was given the life sentence on the first count and time served on the second count (tampering with evidence).

PHOTO: Phelps, right, listens to testimony during his trial.

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