3 convicted of the shooting death of Atlanta rapper Lil Phat

A jury has convicted three men in the shooting death of an Atlanta rapper known as Lil Phat.

Melvin Vernell III was shot and killed two years ago outside a hospital where he was awaiting the birth of his child.

On Friday 25-year-old gunman Deandre Washington was sentenced to life without parole.

Also convicted were 35-year-old Gary Bradford and 29-year-old Maurice Conner who were handed sentences of 25 and 30 years respectively.

Prosecutors said Vernell was killed in retaliation for a drug robbery the suspects believed he’d orchestrated.

A fourth defendant awaits trial. (The Associated Press)