CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – A four-day jury trial concluded Thursday with a Clarksville man being found guilty of second-degree murder.
Kristopher Michael Martin, 20, was originally charged with first-degree murder for the December 2016 shooting death of 23-year-old Billy Pace, Jr.
Pace’s body was found in a wooded area on Ross Lane on December 21, 2016. His father, Billy Pace Sr., reported him missing on December 18 after not being able to get in contact with his son for three days.
Pace had two gunshots to his head and covered with leaves and branches. An autopsy was performed, and his death was ruled a homicide. The motive for the murder remains unclear, according to prosecutor, Robert Nash, assistant district attorney.
Martin was 17-years-old when arrested and later charged as an adult.
Martin was found guilty of second-degree murder. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 4.
Jessica Lynn Summer Simo, the second person charged in Pace’s murder, is scheduled to stand trial in March 2020. She is charged with first-degree murder.