DEDHAM, Mass. (AP) — A Massachusetts man has been found guilty of raping and killing his girlfriend inside her apartment a decade ago.
Joseph Beatty faces life in prison without parole after his conviction on the first-degree murder charge Monday.
Prosecutors say the 61-year-old Beatty choked 33-year-old Mary Beaton, raped her and smothered her with a pillow in Quincy in March 2009.
Beatty’s attorney argued his client man was mentally ill at the time of the killing, and he sought a not guilty plea by reason of insanity.
Court records show Beatty has undergone several competency hearings, and he was found competent to stand trial earlier this year.
Norfolk District Attorney Michael Morrissey says he hopes the jury’s verdict brings comfort to Beaton’s friends and family.
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