MODESTO, Calif. (AP) — A jury has convicted a central California preacher of murdering an 85-year-old rancher to cover up the $1 million he had stolen from the victim.

Jurors also found 57-year-old Howard Douglas Porter guilty of attempted murder, embezzlement and elder abuse Monday.

Prosecutors say Porter drove Frank Craig's pickup truck into an irrigation ditch and drowned him in April 2004.

View Comments

The preacher faces life in prison without the possibility of parole at his Sept. 2 sentencing.

Join the Conversation
Looking for comments?
Find comments in their new home! Click the buttons at the top or within the article to view them — or use the button below for quick access.