William Whitaker Jr. was found guilty of second-degree murder in the death of Tony Holliday that occurred in the parking lot of the EP Mart, District Attorney Valerie Asbell said in a statement.

He was sentenced to 27 to 34 years in prison.

Asbell and Assistant District Attorney Keith Werner called for a trial in the case and heard pre-trial motions Monday morning.

A jury was picked Monday afternoon and evidence was presented Tuesday.

Closing arguments were completed around noon Wednesday. The jury reached a verdict about an hour and 20 minutes later.

The 50-year-old Whitaker, who was represented by Roanoke Rapids attorney Sammy Webb, was sentenced to 330 to 408 months in prison.

“I am glad this part is over for the family of Mr. Holliday,” Asbell said in the statement. “We will continue to pray for Mr. Holliday’s family during this process. I want to thank Assistant District Attorney Keith Werner and Assistant District Attorney Norlan Graves for their hard work in preparing this case for trial. I also want to commend Scotland Neck Police Chief Joe Williams, Lieutenant JohnTippett, and the other members of the Scotland Neck Police Department for their quick response and excellent investigation during this case.”

Holliday, was stabbed three times by Whitaker on June 10, 2014 in the store's parking lot around 4:45 p.m.

Asbell said the Scotland Neck Police Department and EMS arrived very shortly after the stabbing and transported Holliday to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Williams said at the time it appeared the motive in the case was linked to a dispute over a girlfriend.