JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Alexander Patton has been convicted in the beating death of a Jacksonville woman.
In August 2011, police say Patton showed up at the home of 61-year-old Paula Milam and fought with her over a monetary debt. Patton strangled her with electrical cords and a weed-eater line. Before leaving the home, Patton took the woman's prescription pills. He was later caught after wrecking his car on I-95.
"This was a senseless and brutal tragedy which took the life of a vulnerable woman," said Assistant State Attorney Rich Mantei, "this defendant tried to claim drug addiction as an excuse for murder. We are gratified that the jury with their verdict reaffirmed the notion of personal responsibility for criminal acts such as this."
Patton's sentencing date will be set September 10, 2012. He faces life in prison.
