A jury has found Peter Carroll guilty of murdering Christchurch father of three Marcus Tucker.
The verdict came after a two-week trial in the High Court in Christchurch.
The 52-year-old accepts he killed Christchurch father Marcus Tucker, 36, in April last year, but said it was manslaughter, not murder.
During the trial, Carroll told the court he only meant to intimidate Mr Tucker and did not intend to kill him.
Carroll used a steering wheel lock to hit Mr Tucker a number of times to the head at a house in Spreydon, Christchurch, resulting in severe head injuries.
A jury today found Peter Carroll guilty of murdering Marcus Tucker, whose sister spoke to reporters outside court. (Source: Other)
Carroll and Mr Tucker were both involved in the city's drug scene, and the court heard that Mr Tucker had been using fake $100 notes to buy drugs days before his death.
When Carroll realised Mr Tucker had died, he and an associate drove out to Lake Ellesmere, wrapped his body in carpet, and set his body on fire.
Mr Tucker's body was found the next day by a group of fishermen.
Cries were heard in the public gallery as the verdict was read.
Mr Tucker's sister, Belinda Ross, read out a statement on behalf of the family outside court.
"I would like to say thank you to all who've had a positive input into the outcome for our family. We are grateful to everyone who helped to get this verdict. we as a family will make further comment after sentencing," Ms Ross said.
Carroll will be sentenced on November 2.
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