Former Hatebreed drummer found guilty of murder

Former Hatebreed drummer Nicholas Papantoniou has been convicted of felony murder, first-degree burglary and criminal possession of a firearm, according to the New Haven Register. The counts are linked to the October 2014 murder of 56-year-old Larry Dildy.

Co-defendant William Coutermash testified that they went to Dildy's home in Hamden, CT with the intent of stealing pills and money.

Papantoniou told the jury that the gun went off during a hand-to-hand struggle with Dildy, and that he didn't know the victim had died until he saw it on the news. He also claimed that he and Coutermash did not discuss any plans to steal goods from Dildy's home.

The former Hatebreed drummer could face up to 90 years in prison when he is sentenced on May 26. 

Papantoniou briefly played drums for Hatebreed between 1996-1997.

Photo courtesy of Hamden Police Department.