Murder conviction in botched home robbery

A Brooklyn man was found guilty of first-degree murder Friday by a Nassau County jury that ruled he kidnapped two men during a botched robbery attempt, then shot one in the back as he tried to run away.

Edward Williams, 30, faces life in prison without parole in the death of Tristan Theodore, 20, of Woodmere. Nassau County Judge John Kase set sentencing for Aug. 17.

A second defendant, Anthony Jackson, faces 25 years to life for what prosecutors say was his role in the incident.

"With today's verdict, the jury has made sure that Edward Williams will pay a heavy price for this horrific crime," Nassau District Attorney Kathleen Rice said Friday.

Besides murder, the jury convicted Williams of first-degree kidnapping, second-degree robbery, first-degree burglary and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

Williams' lawyer, Joseph LoPiccolo, of Garden City, said he will appeal.

"Mr. Williams maintains his lack of involvement," he said. "He maintains his innocence."

SEE PHOTOSNotable LI crimes

Prosecutors said Williams and Jackson accosted Theodore and another man in the driveway of Theodore's Woodmere home last June. Jackson and Williams then forced the two men into the basement, where the victims were bound with duct tape and robbed, prosecutors said.

Williams and Jackson took cash, cellphones, car keys and a PlayStation before leading the men to Theodore's car, prosecutors said.

Theodore's friend was able to jump from the moving car, prosecutors said, and Theodore escaped from the car shortly afterward. But Williams chased Theodore through the backyards of several homes and shot him in the back.

Theodore collapsed on a back porch and died shortly afterward, prosecutors said.