GUILTY: Verdict in for local murder trial

Francisco Hernandez Serrano, the man accused of first-degree premeditated murder, was found guilty on three of four counts against him Friday afternoon in Yuma County Superior Court.

A jury found Serrano guilty of first-degree premeditated murder, kidnapping, and conspiracy to commit murder.

The jury did not find him guilty on one count of attempted first-degree murder.

There wasn’t much of a reaction inside the courtroom, including Serrano.

He will be sentenced April 11 at 8:30 a.m.

The grand jury entered deliberation Friday morning.

Authorities detained Serrano February 2016 after Emmanuel Alvarenga Navarrete was murdered January 20, 2016.

The victim suffered three gunshot wounds and his body was recovered by police in a produce field off Highway 95 in Yuma.

Police said Serrano was an accomplice and conspirator of the victim’s death, along with Jose Alfredo Sort, who authorities said shot the victim in 2016.

Sorto entered a plea deal October 2017. He’s currently serving a 22-year prison sentence.