Waterloo Man Convicted in Fatal Stabbing

WATERLOO, Iowa (AP) — A man accused of a fatally stabbing his girlfriend's brother in Waterloo has been convicted of murder in the case.

A jury found Martez Smith guilty Wednesday of first-degree murder for stabbing Shawonyta "Marq" Norman and guilty of domestic violence for shoving girlfriend Latres Johnson.

The incident occurred outside Smith and Johnson's home in November 2014.

Testimony in Black Hawk County District Court began on Jan. 20.

Assistant County Attorney James Katcher said Norman intervened after Smith pushed Johnson.

Defense attorney Linnea Nelson Nicol said Smith acted recklessly because he grappled with Norman while holding a knife.

The jury debated less than two hours before reaching a verdict.

Smith faces life in prison. Sentencing will be at a later date.