MINDEN, La. — A Webster Parish jury on Tuesday unanimously found a Sibley man guilty of beating his father to death with a baseball bat nearly a decade ago after hearing graphic testimony, forensic evidence and an audio confession.

Jonconnor Joiner, 32, was convicted of second-degree murder in the May 2016 death of his father, 57-year-old Billy Jack Joiner Jr. The offense carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison at hard labor without the benefit of parole, probation or suspension of sentence. Formal sentencing is scheduled for May 29.

Assistant District Attorney Hugo Holland told jurors the evidence showed Billy Joiner Jr. was “beaten viciously” during a fatal attack at the family’s Frazier Road home in Sibley.

Holland told jurors that when investigators arrived, they found the victim lifeless, cold and lying in a pool of blood. He said the attack began with fists before a baseball bat was used.

Cody James, a Sibley police officer in May 2016, testified he was patrolling when he noticed Billy Joiner Jr.’s donkey, JoJo, loose. He went to the home to notify Joiner but saw the front door had been kicked in. He called for backup from the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office, and officers later discovered the body inside.

BDCC Warden Scott Tucker testified as lead investigator and described the scene as “very traumatic.”

“There was blood everywhere — on the cabinets and even on the ceiling,” Tucker said.

Tucker testified investigators found what appeared to be blood in multiple places inside the home. He said Joiner’s hand was swollen and appeared almost infected when he was arrested shortly after the victim’s body was discovered.

Tucker said Joiner had been staying at the David Motel in Bossier City, where investigators found the victim’s white GMC SUV parked outside Room 131. Inside the room, authorities recovered the victim’s wallet, identification and cellphone.

Jurors also heard that a Brookshire’s “thank you” card was found in connection with the victim during the investigation.

Multiple crime scene photographs were shown, along with physical evidence including a blood-stained baseball bat, clothing, shoes, a cap and a gaming controller prosecutors said Joiner was wearing or used during the attack. The items still had visible blood, and some contained biological material when presented at trial. The gaming controller had visible blood on it, which investigators said occurred after the assault began, when it was used by Jonconnor Joiner to play music.

Holland also told jurors the victim’s dental plate was dislodged during the beating.

Jurors heard an audio confession in which Joiner described arguing with his father, saying, “We argued… he was trying to kick me out.” He told investigators he struck his father while he was standing, then retrieved a baseball bat and continued the attack. He also said he used a gaming controller to play music during the incident and took his father’s wallet, believing it contained money.

Tucker testified Joiner was developed as a suspect and arrested shortly after the victim’s body was discovered.

Both Tucker and forensic pathologist Dr. Frank Perretti testified there were no visible signs of a struggle.

Perretti said the victim suffered more than 10 blunt force injuries to the head area and that his skull was crushed, with extensive fractures and severe brain hemorrhaging.

“The entire skull was fractured… there was massive hemorrhaging of the brain,” Perretti testified. “I think he died pretty rapidly — a few minutes at most.”

Defense attorney Mary Ellen Halterman argued the case should be considered manslaughter, not second-degree murder, citing what she described as betrayal between father and son. She said the conflict arose after Billy Joiner Jr. told his son he would have to move out of the home the following day, a decision she said was influenced by his girlfriend, DeAnna Watkins. Watkins testified via prerecorded video that she had encouraged the father to have his son move out and get a job.

Members of the victim’s family sat in the courtroom gallery throughout the proceedings. They could be seen and heard weeping during testimony and were visibly emotional as the verdict was read, embracing one another.

Billy Joiner III told the Webster Parish Journal before court began, “It’s taken 10 years to get to this point. That’s a long time.”

The victim’s daughter, Amie Sittner, also shared a handwritten note from her late grandmother, the victim’s former mother-in-law, with the Webster Parish Journal. The note read, “Our crosses may be heavy, but when our Lord Jesus helps us carry them, we can cross any valley.”

Joiner appeared largely emotionless throughout the trial, at times shaking his head during testimony. He did not testify and showed no reaction when the verdict was read.

After deliberating less than 30 minutes, jurors returned a unanimous guilty verdict. Joiner was fingerprinted and taken into custody. As he left the courtroom, he told his family and half-siblings, “See y’all later.” The day prior, after jury selection, he had told relatives, “See y’all tomorrow.”

Judge Parker Self presided over the trial.