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Canyon County Bar Owner Convicted For Stabbing Murder Of Business Partner

SAN FERNANDO (CBS)  — A man who co-owned a Canyon Country bar was convicted Friday of the stabbing murder of his business partner just over five years ago.

The San Fernando Superior Court jury found Christopher Rosas, 50, guilty of first-degree murder for the Feb. 26, 2006, slaying of Louis Campanelli. It also found true the special circumstance allegation of lying in wait, according to Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman.

Rosas' younger brother, Ralph, 48, was convicted Thursday by a separate jury of the same charge and allegation, the prosecutor said. The two also were convicted of assault with a deadly weapon for striking the victim's girlfriend in the head with a pool cue.

Campanelli and Christopher Rosas co-owned Mugsy's Bar, where the victim was discovered after being stabbed. The victim had also been bludgeoned with a fire extinguisher.

Authorities believe the two brothers from Canyon Country wanted to get the victim out of the way so they could run the business together. Ralph Rosas had tried to buy Campanelli's share of the business.

Mugsy's has since closed.

The siblings face life in prison without the possibility of parole, with sentencing set for next month. Prosecutors had decided not to seek the death penalty.

(©2011 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

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