Sun-News report

LAS CRUCES - A jury found Hector Flores Serna Jr. guilty of first-degree murder Friday afternoon.

Serna, 27, of the 700 block of Espina Street in Las Cruces, fatally shot 49-year-old George Vargas on July 5, 2009 at a home on Sacramento Street in Las Cruces. Serna reportedly went to Vargas' home to complete a drug deal, according to police. When the two began to argue, Serna pulled out a handgun, shooting Vargas once in the head.

A Do a Ana County grand jury also handed up indictments against Serna on charges of tampering with evidence, distribution of an imitation controlled substance, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a firearm or destructive device by a felon in connection with the shooting.

The trial had been postponed four times before beginning with jury selection Monday, said Assistant District Attorney RoxAnne Esquibel.

Serna is scheduled to be sentenced the afternoon of Feb. 28.


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