APPLING, Georgia (AP) - A 15-year-old east Georgia boy has been convicted of killing a teenage girl.

The Augusta Chronicle reports that a Columbia County jury found 15-year-old Lacy Aaron Schmidt of Harlem guilty of murder, theft and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.

Authorities say 14-year-old Alana Calahan was shot with her father's 9 mm pistol inside their Miles Road home in January 2011. Investigators said Schmidt shot Alana, then dragged her body to a wooded path behind her home. Authorities say the two teenagers had been friends.

Schmidt's attorney, Penelope Donkar, said her closing arguments Thursday that the shooting was accidental.

Assistant District Attorney Natalie Paine said Schmidt could receive life in prison with or without parole.