Man convicted of Samuel Constant's murder in 2014 in Georgetowne development

A Suffolk Superior Court jury yesterday found William Earl, 25, guilty of second-degree murder for the stabbing death of Samuel Constant, 19, in the Georgetowne apartment complex on Jan. 9, 2014.

Police at the time said the stabbing happened during a fight at 139 Margaretta Dr.

The Suffolk County District Attorney's office provided this account:

Assistant District Attorney Tara Burdman proved at trial that Mr. Constant and the defendant were present at the home of the victim’s girlfriend when they became involved in a physical altercation. During that altercation, the defendant stabbed Mr. Constant multiple times. The defendant then fled the apartment, with the mortally wounded victim pursuing him onto Margaretta Drive.

Mr. Constant, who suffered stab wounds that perforated his lung and an artery, collapsed in a parking lot and died of his injuries. The defendant was apprehended by a security officer patrolling the area.

Earl will be sentenced on May 8. He faces life in prison, but with the possibility of parole at some point.