Man convicted of 2007 killing of Yuma doctor

YUMA, Ariz. (AP) - A Yuma man has been convicted of 2 counts of first-degree murder for the 2007 killing of a local doctor.

Yuma County Superior Court Judge John Nelson also found 46-year-old Preston Alton Strong guilty of kidnapping, burglary, attempted arson and aggravated assault.

Nelson delivered the verdicts Thursday after presiding over a 39-day trial where prosecutors said Strong strangled and bludgeoned Dr. Satinder Gill and stole a large amount of money.

Defense lawyer Kristi Riggins told the judge the case against Strong lacked evidence and that DNA on a belt used to strangle Gill belonged to someone else.

The Yuma Sun reports members of Gill's family hugged and wiped away tears after the verdict was read. Strong showed no emotion.

Sentencing is set for Nov. 16.

Information from: The Sun, http://www.yumasun.com

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.