Rapper convicted of killing jazz musician

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 2 (UPI) -- Swedish hip-hop artist David Jassy has been convicted in Los Angeles of second-degree murder in the 2008 death of jazz pianist John Osnes.

The Los Angeles Times said the jury rejected Jassy's argument that he had been acting in self-defense when he beat, kicked and ran over Osnes in a Sunset Strip crosswalk.

Witnesses told the panel the confrontation occurred after Jassy, 35, edged his SUV into a crosswalk where Osnes, 55, and others were walking. Osnes then reportedly shouted at Jassy and banged on the hood of Jassy's vehicle, prompting the rapper to get out of the SUV and attack him, the Times said onlookers testified.

Jassy, who insisted Osnes assaulted him first, faces 15 years to life in prison at his sentencing next month, the newspaper said.