Loren Wade guilty of second-degree murder

Phoenix -- Former Arizona State University football player Loren Wade has been found guilty of second-degree murder for shooting former teammate Brandon Falkner.

The incident occurred March 26, 2005, when Falkner was shot to death while he was speaking with Wade's girlfriend, Haley van Blommestein.

Police had claimed Wade was angry with van Blommestein.

At issue was whether Wade intended to kill Falkner when he pulled a gun from his pocket, or if it was an accident.

Wade, a running back, broke the ASU freshman rushing record in 2003, but was suspended for nine games in his sophomore season.

The Arizona Republic reported it took a jury more than two days to decide Wade's fate.

He escaped the death penalty. The jury must reconvene to discuss aggravating factors, which could lead to a harsh prison term.

"I'm really shocked at the verdict. I was hoping to get first," Falkner's brother, Brandon, told the newspaper after Thursday's verdict.

Copyright 2007 by United Press International.