A man suspected of killing several women in this city over several terrifying weeks was convicted Thursday of two of the slayings and of attacking a third woman who survived. Matthew Macon's eyes filled with tears as the verdicts were read. He put his hands over his head as Ingham County Circuit Court Judge William Collette set the sentencing date for June 18. Macon will be sentenced to life without parole for murdering Sandra Eichorn, 64, and 41-year-old Karen Delgado-Yates. He also was found guilty of torturing Delgado-Yates and of assaulting Linda Chapel Jackson, 56, with intent to commit murder.

The jury deliberated for only about two hours after prosecutors and defense attorneys gave their closing arguments Thursday.

Police have said Macon is suspected in the slayings of five other women in Lansing, but the 28-year-old hasn't been charged in those cases. Most of the killings he is accused of, including those of Eichorn and Delgado-Yates, occurred last July and August.

Prosecutors said Macon bludgeoned Delgado-Yates with a toilet-tank lid, stabbed Eichorn and used a beer bottle to strike Jackson, who survived because her dog chased Macon away.

"I'm glad it's over and that they got the right verdict," Jackson said.

Macon also was found guilty of one count of home invasion.

Macon's attorney had claimed Macon's brother was responsible for Eichorn's death and the attack on Jackson. His family has questioned whether he can get a fair trial in Lansing.

Defense attorney Mike O'Briant said he wasn't sure if Macon plans to appeal.

When asked about possible future charges against Macon, Ingham County Prosecutor Stuart Dunnings III said he wanted to focus on "today's verdict today."

"Ingham County is a safer place today," Dunnings said.

A representative of Macon's family said it is time to move on.

"Obviously it wasn't the verdict we wanted," said Macon's cousin, Clifton Jackson. "But now the victims' families, (and) our family, can begin the healing process. That's what's important at this point."

Written By TIM MARTIN

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