33-Year-Old Transient Guilty In Stabbing Murder Of Ex-Pro Baseball Player

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com)  —  A 33-year-old transient was found guilty Thursday in the 2013 fatal stabbing of former baseball player Rodney Craig.

The LA District County's Office said jurors deliberated for less than three hours before finding Billy Morales guilty of the second-degree murder of Craig, 55.

Morales stabbed Craig  once in the chest during a fight.

Jurors also found true the special allegation that Morales personally used a deadly and dangerous weapon, a knife.

Deputy D.A. Jacqueline Mac said Craig, who was living on the streets, tried to stay at a homeless encampment on Aug. 17, 2013. For some unknown reason, other transients did not let Craig stay and kicked him out.

As he left the encampment, he tried to kick a dog, the prosecutor said. Morales and Anthony Johnson chased after Craig, caught him and began kicking and punching him. During the fight, Morales pulled a knife and stabbed Craig.

Johnson, 24, pleaded no contest to one count of assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury and was sentenced in August to six years in state prison.

Morales faces a possible sentence of at least 16 years to life in state prison. A sentencing date will be determined in the future.

Los Angeles-born Craig played in 145 major league games over four seasons for the Seattle Mariners (1979-80), Cleveland Indians (1982) and Chicago White Sox (1986.)

Craig was an outfielder and pinch hitter with three home runs and a career .256 batting average.