DELAWARE, Ohio (AP) — A man whose first two wives were slain in the 1970s was convicted Friday of murdering wife No. 4 and a longtime friend.
Gerald Hand, 54, could get the death penalty during the sentencing phase, which begins Wednesday. Defense attorneys said they will appeal.
Hand was accused of shooting to death his wife, Jill, 58, and friend Walter "Lonnie" Welch, 55, at the couple's home north of Columbus.
Prosecutors also suspect Hand, with help from Welch, killed his first two wives, but he has not been charged.
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Prosecutors said during the trial that Hand killed Welch to keep him quiet about the earlier slayings. Jill Hand was shot to death the same night.