Suspect convicted in Clay County slaying

A 53-year-old man faces execution after a Clay County jury found him guilty of raping and murdering veterinary technician Andrea Boyer.

A jury convicted Michael R. Jackson of first degree murder and sexual battery on Friday. The sentencing portion of his trial will begin this week, the State Attorney’s Office said.

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Boyer was found dead Jan. 23, 2007, inside a veterinary clinic on Wells Road. An investigation determined that she had been disrobed, sexually battered, stabbed, strangled and hit repeatedly in the head.

DNA evidence was traced to Jackson. Prosecutors also presented evidence that Jackson had been sentenced to prison for a sexual battery conviction in 1986. “This evidence showed a pattern of related criminal behavior, a lack of consent, and revealed similarities in motive and manner in which Jackson committed the crimes,” prosecutors said in a news release.

Jackson was convicted of Boyer’s slaying 13 years ago, but the verdict was thrown out after the court found Clay County deputies made prejudicial statements on the stand.