Jury Convicts Man Of Killing Immigrant

24-Year-Old Could Face Death Penalty In 2007 Murder

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A man accused of killing an Albanian man during a robbery attempt at a Southside laundry nearly two years ago was convicted Thursday morning of first-degree murder, attempted armed robbery and aggravated assault.

After just over two hours of deliberations, the jury found that Kevin Scott, 24, killed 44-year-old Kristo Binjak in June 2007.

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Binjaku's 13-year-old son saw his father killed in a Laundromat on Toledo Road -- one of three jobs Binjaku worked to support his family.

"This man ... he supported the family. They've been distraught since then, in terms of financially and also emotionally," Assistant State Attorney Bernie de la Rionda said after the verdict was announced.

Scott's murder trial lasted about a day and a half. In closing arguments, prosecutors said Scott tried to rob Binjaku, but shot the man in the face because he refused to comply with his demands.

"That's what this case boils down to -- the victim did not want to give up his hard-earned money. As a result of that he is dead," de la Rionda said. "We started with an American dream. We have the American tragedy."

The jury began deliberating late Wednesday afternoon and reached a verdict just after 9 a.m. Thursday. Channel 4's Dan Leveton said Scott sat silently as the verdict was read.

Prosecutors said they will seek the death penalty for Scott. The penalty phase of the trial is set for May 5.