Kyle Anthony Strother has been found guilty of murder and will be sentenced on March 7th after a pre-sentencing investigation. 

The 26 year old was accused of killing 27 year old Cristobal Bacerras-Conteras in the back yard of a residence on Wood Creek Way in December of 2015. Prosecutors said Strother shot Bacerras-Conteras in the back of the head during an armed robbery.

Strother was facing several charges including murder, aggravated battery and aggravated assault.  In closing arguments, defense attorney Brett Ladd tried to cast doubt on Strother’s guilt and poke holes in the testimony of two co-defendants, 22 year old Delany Scott Ray and 20 year old Kelesah Carron Dorsey, who face charges of murder and armed robbery.

“Their testimonies and stories are all self-serving,” Ladd said.

Assistant District Attorney Luke Martin told the jury that the women had not been offered a plea deal in exchange for their testimony.

He pointed out that video footage also showed Strother with the women before the murder.

Martin also submitted evidence of conversations between Strother and the resident of the apartment where Bacerra-Conteras’ body was found.  

Strother allegedly told Marcus Antwon Townsend that “he left a mess in his backyard.”

According to testimony, Dorsey lured Bacerras-Conteras to the apartment with a promise of sex for money but with the true intention to rob him.

Strother allegedly got away with $500.

“Why did he have to die?” Martin asked. “He did not have to die. He lost his life for $500.”

(WRGA/www.wrgarome.com)