Eric Rivera, Jr. Convicted of Murdering former Washington Redskin Sean Taylor

The man charged with the killing of former Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor was found guilty of second-degree murder, Monday.  A Florida jury, after spending four days and 16 hours deliberating, convicted Eric Rivera Jr. of second-degree murder.

November 4, 2012; Landover, MD, USA; Pedro Taylor, the father of the late Washington Redskins former player Sean Taylor (not pictured), stands on the field during Homecoming festivities prior to the Redskins game against the Carolina Panthers at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

On November 4, 2007, Rivera and a group of friends were startled when they found the former pro bowl safety at his home when the group went in to rob the house.  The Redskins safety was recovering from a knee injury that weekend, and Rivera was unaware that Taylor was home prior to the home invasion.

Originally, Rivera had confessed to the shooting of Taylor, but when brought to the witness stand claimed the investigators forced Rivera’s hand.  Rivera was convicted of only second-degree murder because the jury had trouble proving that Rivera was indeed the shooter.  Still, however, those convicted of second-degree murder face 25 years to life in prison.  For now, Rivera awaits his sentencing hearing to take place in the upcoming months.