Man guilty of killing ex-pro baseball player in Los Angeles

Posted January 14, 2015 10:00 pm

The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES (AP) - A 33-year-old man has been found guilty of killing former professional baseball player Rodney Craig when both men were homeless in downtown Los Angeles.

Jurors convicted Billy Morales on Thursday of second-degree murder and he could get 16 years to life in prison.

Deputy District Attorney Jacqueline Mac says the 55-year-old Craig had been living on the streets and tried to stay at a homeless encampment in August but was kicked out by others living there.

Mac says Craig tried to kick a dog as he left, prompting Morales to run him down, beat him, and stab him.

A second defendant pleaded no contest to assault last year.

Craig, an outfielder, played in four big-league seasons between 1979 and 1986 with the Seattle Mariners, Cleveland Indians and Chicago White Sox.

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