Two Men Found Guilty in 2013 New Bedford Murder

Two men have been convicted of second-degree murder in the 2013 killing of a New Bedford man.

The Bristol District Attorney's office says 27-year-old Hailton DaCosta and 30-year-old Antonio Rodrigues Jr. were convicted on Wednesday in Fall River Superior Court in the November 2013 shooting death of Sharone Stafford. The men were also convicted of carrying illegal firearms.

Prosecutors said the 31-year-old Stafford was shot during a botched robbery attempt in New Bedford.

The New Bedford Standard-Times previously reported that prosecutors believed Stafford was killed to eliminate competition in the city's drug trade.

DaCosta was sentenced to 24 years to life in state prison and Rodrigues received 18 years to life.

Prosecutors said two other men made plea agreements to testify in exchange for reduced sentences. (Associated Press)