On the second day of deliberations, a jury convicted a 28-year-old man of killing a college student two years ago.
Mark Alverez was found guilty of second-degree murder in the death of 20-year-old Crissie Mejias in August 2001 after she offered to give him a ride home after a dance competition at a Southbank restaurant.
The prosecutor said she was killed as part of a satanic ritual, and sought first-degree murder charges and the death penalty against Alverez. The defense claimed Mejias died after a night of rough sex and that Alverez panicked.
Mejias' body was put in a suitcase in the trunk of her car and set on fire.
Mejias' family and prosecutors were disappointed the jury decided on second-degree murder, but were pleased that Alverez was convicted.
"He's ultimately been held accountable for what he did to Crissie Mejias," Assistant State Attorney Katie Lee said.
This is the second time Alverez has been on trial for the murder. The judge declared a mistrial in April after a witness talked about Alverez's criminal history.
Judge Lance Day scheduled sentencing for Alverez on Oct. 7. He could serve up to life in prison on the second-degree murder conviction.