A Tucson man arrested in 2016 for beating a man to death with a metal stake was convicted of first-degree murder Friday, officials said.
Ralph Pops Carter was also convicted in Pima County Superior Court on charges of armed robbery, theft of means of transportation and fleeing from law enforcement, according to a news release from the Pima County Attorney's Office.
On Nov. 6, Carter was picked up as a day laborer and instead of working, he beat the victim to death with a metal stake used to form concrete, the release said.
Before the victim, Juan Martin Cuen-Amavizca died, Carter stole his wallet, $850 and drove away in Cuen-Amavizca's work truck
Carter was found later in the day while driving Cuen-Amavizca's vehicle and fled from police, leading them on a high-speed chase across Pima County, the release said.
When Carter was finally arrested, he had blood spatter on his face and shoes and was wearing Cuen-Amavizca's clothing, according to the release.
Carter is scheduled for sentencing on Feb. 28.
