FAYETTE COUNTY — After less than three hours of deliberation Friday, a Fayette County jury returned with a guilty verdict in the murder trial of a 25-year-old St. Peter man accused of the 2017 shooting death of Joshua Smith, of Ramsey.

Alexander Beccue was found guilty of second-degree murder and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.

Jurors apparently agreed with defense attorney Ed Deters who asked them to use common sense and find that his client acted in self-defense.

He told jurors that while there were no prior tensions between Beccue and Smith, there was the night of the shooting a “methed up” vibe, tension and paranoia were in the house.

Beccue, and star prosecution witness Chelsi Beesley both testified Thursday that they, and the victim, had snorted meth the night of the shooting in Beesley’s father’s Ramsey home.

Beccue testified that he feared for his safety that night and that drug-induced hallucinations and voices in his head had him convinced that Smith and Beesley were going to harm him.

The jury in the case was selected Monday, with opening arguments given Tuesday and closing arguments delivered Friday.

The jury went into deliberation at 10:57 a.m. Friday, and then approached the court with a question at 12:07 p.m. They then arrived at a verdict at 1:39 p.m.

Second-degree murder is punishable by between 4–20 years in prison. Certain factors can increase the maximum to 30 years. Sentencing for Beccue is scheduled for 9 a.m. August 28.