Rapper convicted in 2005 Coatesville slaying

A Chester County Court jury yesterday convicted a rap singer of first-degree murder for a 2005 shooting death that authorities said was revenge for the theft of a gold chain.

The verdict means a mandatory sentence of life without parole for Earl Handfield II, 28, also known by his stage name, "Marblez."

Police say Handfield blamed Charles Jennings Jr., 29, for the theft of a gold chain taken from around his neck at a convenience store. They say Handfield spotted Jennings and chased him down a Coatesville street firing a revolver.

The defense maintained that one of the prosecution's key witnesses had implicated himself in the shooting. - AP