Lancaster man convicted of killing man who was riding all-terrain cycle in the desert

A Lancaster man was convicted June 2 of killing a man who was riding his all-terrain cycle in the desert more than two years ago, according to the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office. 

After four hours of deliberation, a jury found Arturo Lopez, 40, of second-degree murder for killing Stephen Lee Finson, 47. He was also found guilty of five felony counts including three counts of possession of a firearm by a felon, conspiracy to commit a crime, and offering false evidence. 

On Feb, 23, 2014, Finson was riding his ATC and taking pictures in the desert when he was shot by Lopez, prosecutors said. Finson’s family later reported him missing, and was found the next morning by Los Angeles County sheriff deputies, according to authorities. He was pronounced dead at 9:20 a.m., according to coroner’s records. 

Lopez is scheduled to return to court July 14 for a sentencing hearing. He faces a maximum possible sentence of 45 years to life in state prison. 

Contact the Homicide Report. Follow @jeromercampbell and @latimeshomicide on Twitter.