S.D. Man Convicted of Killing His Boss

A former newspaper carrier was convicted Friday of second-degree murder in the stabbing death of his boss.

A San Diego Superior Court jury found Randy Nichols, 26, of North Park, guilty after four days of deliberations in the May 15 death of Scott Tucker, 25, of San Diego.

Deputy Dist. Atty. Wayne Mayer had asked the jury to convict Nichols of first-degree murder, saying Tucker suffered 40 stab wounds to his back, chest and throat. Nichols’ attorney, Steve Feldman, told the jury a verdict of voluntary manslaughter would be more appropriate.

Judge William Kennedy remanded Nichols, who had been free on $50,000 bond, to county jail without bail. Sentencing was set for March 14. Mayer said Nichols could receive a maximum term of 16 years to life in state prison.

Nichols and Tucker had been friends and were working together at 4 a.m. on their San Diego Union paper route in North Park when the slaying occurred.

In closing arguments, Mayer told jurors that Nichols “executed Scott Tucker.” He said Nichols’ obsession with losing his girlfriend to Tucker was the motive.