FAYETTEVILLE -- A Fayetteville man was convicted Thursday evening of first-degree murder and tampering with evidence in the fatal stabbing his roommate in 2024.

The Washington County Circuit Court jury deliberated more than two hours before finding Jason Jedidiah Lawson guilty in the killing of Benjamin Martin. The sentencing phase of the trial will begin Friday morning. Lawson faces 10 to 40 years or life in prison on the first-degree murder charge.

During closing arguments, prosecutors said Lawson's actions showed he purposely intended to kill Martin. The fatal knife wound pierced Martin's sternum before going into his heart.

"You don't stab somebody that hard unless you're purposefully trying to kill them," said Jonathan Dixon, deputy prosecutor.

Michael Roberson, a defense attorney

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