One of three men accused in a horrible murder case has escaped a possible death sentence, but he could now end up spending the rest of his life in prison.
Antoine Lanier was on trial this week for the kidnapping, rape and murder of Sierra Slaton four years ago. Her mutilated body was found in McKelvey Lake on the city's east side.
Friday afternoon, after a day-and-a-half of deliberating, jurors returned "guilty" verdicts of complicity to murder, kidnapping and aggravated robbery, as well as rape.
The victim's mother was satisfied knowing Lanier will now have to spend a very long time behind bars.
Lanier is the second defendant in this case to be convicted. Another suspect had plead guilty earlier, while a third defendant, Antonio Jackson, is set for trial in October.
