Jury Convicts Man In Cold Case Slaying Of Girl, 8
GRAND RAPIDS (AP) - A man has been convicted of murder on the 18th anniversary of the shooting death of an 8-year-old Grand Rapids girl.
The Grand Rapids Press, WOOD TV and WZZM-TV report that a jury found Robert Gaines guilty Friday of second-degree murder in the Dec. 16, 1993 slaying of Lativia Johnson.
The jury deliberated the entire day.
Gaines testified Thursday in his own defense and maintained his innocence. He faces up to life in prison when sentenced Jan. 9.
Gaines and Robert Brown were accused of firing a gun into Lativia's home. The girl was struck in the head as she went to get a cup of milk.
Brown pleaded guilty in April to second-degree murder in Lativia's slaying.
Gaines and Brown were arrested earlier this year in states outside Michigan.
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