Almond Upton has been convicted of first-degree murder in connection with the death of New York State Trooper Christopher Skinner.

loading...

Almond Upton [New York State Police photo][/caption]

A Broome County Court jury found the 62-year-old Florida man guilty Friday morning.

During the trial, prosecutors contended Upton intentionally targeted the 42-year-old trooper along Interstate 81 in the Town of Chenango. Skinner died on May 29, 2014, after he was struck by a pickup truck driven by Upton.

The defense maintained Upton did not have the mental capacity to understand his actions.

Skinner had been a state trooper for 13 years. He had been working as part of a traffic enforcement detail in a construction zone. He was issuing a speeding ticket to a motorist at the time he was hit by Upton's vehicle.

Investigators said the pickup truck was traveling 93 miles per hour at the time of impact.

After Skinner was struck, Upton fled into a wooded area. He was apprehended a short time later.

Judge Joseph Cawley scheduled sentencing for November 10.

For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.

More From 99.1 The Whale