Final NJ Schoolyard Slayings Defendant Convicted

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) - The final defendant in a New Jersey schoolyard attack that killed three college-bound friends and left a fourth seriously wounded has been convicted of murder.

Gerardo Gomez was among six men and boys charged in the 2007 Newark schoolyard attack, which shocked the state's largest city and led to new anti-crime measures. Three others were convicted at trial and are serving multiple life sentences. Two others pleaded guilty.

Gomez turned 15 the day of the killings but was tried as an adult. He was convicted Friday. His attorney argues he was a bystander at the Mount Vernon School playground. Prosecutors contend he acted as a lookout while the others robbed the victims, who were enrolled or planning to enroll at Delaware State University.

Trial testimony showed three victims were forced to kneel against a wall before being shot.