RALEIGH, N.C. — After nearly two years and two trials, a man accused of murder has learned his fate.

Monday morning, a jury found Deon Partridge, 23, guilty of first-degree murder in the shooting death of Donald Kersey, 22, a Sonic drive-in cook.

Partridge was accused of killing Kersey while attempting to rob the restaurant with three accomplices in September 2002.

Partridge's sentencing will not be completed Monday. Prosecutors say they plan to seek the death penalty.

Authorities say Partridge and three others hijacked a vehicle at a car wash, then attempted to rob the fast-food restaurant, killing Kersey.

Police believe Sherri Martin and her sister, Tiffini, served as the lookout and the driver.

James Garrett Jr. is serving a life sentence for his role, but under a plea agreement, he has agreed to testify against Partridge.

This is Partridge's second trial. During his first trial last summer, a key investigator committed suicide and the trial was thrown out. The new trial began in mid-February.