Man, woman found guilty in robbery plot death

A man and woman were convicted Friday of first-degree murder, robbery and other felonies for a 2008 drug-related robbery plot that ended with the death of a 42-year-old Las Vegas man.

The jury deliberated more than six hours after a three-week trial before convicting Charles Nelson, 30, and Lashana Hayward, 35, in the slaying of Eddie Heckard.

Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against Nelson. The jury that convicted him will decide next week whether to sentence him to death.

Hayward faces 20 years to life in prison without parole for her role.

Nelson and John Scott robbed Heckard in September 2008 at his home in the 1400 block of J Street, authorities said. After beating him to death , the robbers set the house on fire. But the robbery was interrupted by a friend of Heckard's who knocked on the door. The robbers attacked and beat the visitor, who escaped and ran to nearby police as the house burned.

Hayward, the getaway driver in the plot, sold drugs that were supplied to her by Heckard, Las Vegas police said.

A trial date has not been set for Scott, 44, whose case was separated from the other two defendants.