LAWTON, Okla., May 18 (UPI) -- An Oklahoma jury has convicted a man of first-degree murder in the execution-style slaying of a state trooper on a rural road two years ago.
Ricky Ray Malone could receive the death penalty in the slaying of Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper Nikky Joe Green, the Oklahoman reported. The jury deliberated almost two hours before returning the guilty verdict Tuesday.
Prosecutors will seek the death penalty in the sentencing phase of the trial. Malone could also receive life in prison, with or without the possibility of parole.
A dashboard-mounted camera in Green's patrol car recorded part of the crime after the officer stopped a car with a portable methamphetamine lab and a struggle ensued.
District Attorney Robert Schulte said Green was shot in the back of the head as he begged for his life.
Malone testified said he heard voices that directed him to shoot a man he didn't know was a state trooper. He said the voices were the result of methamphetamine addiction.
