Trenton man convicted in Bucks musician's slaying

Jermaine Jackson, the Trenton man accused of masterminding a plot that left Levittown musician Danny DeGennaro dead, was convicted Monday of second-degree murder in Bucks County Court.

Jackson, 21, was not accused of shooting DeGennaro, who died from a shotgun blast to the chest in December 2011, but of developing a plan to rob him that turned fatal when two gunmen opened fire after entering the musician's home. By law, participants in felony crimes involving murder can be convicted of criminal homicide.

The prosecution, led by Assistant District Attorney Matthew Weintraub, spent days questioning witnesses to paint Jackson as the architect of the night's events. Weintraub said the plan was to rob DeGennaro, holding him at gunpoint if he did not cooperate.

Jackson's attorney, Craig Penglase, argued that Jackson was completing a drug transaction with DeGennaro, not robbing him, and that Jackson did not want DeGennaro killed.

The jury also found Jackson guilty of robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery, Weintraub said.

Jackson is to be sentenced at 2 p.m. Thursday. He faces life in prison. Members of the victim's family are expected to speak, Weintraub said.