Runnels convicted of first degree murder

On Wednesday, Feb. 23, a Riverside County Superior Court criminal jury convicted Jason Howard Runnels and co-defendant Lucia Janet Martinez of premeditated murder in the first degree of Rick Macias. Sentencing is set for April 5 for both defendants.

Macias was killed on Dec. 31, 2008 during or after a New Years Eve party at Runnels' Poppet Flat residence. His body was subsequently dumped in Lake Fulmor.