By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times

Eric Coxry was convicted of first-degree murder for the slaying of Jonas L. “Sonny” Suber on Oct. 21, 2006.

After more than 10 hours of deliberations over two days, the jury in the capital murder case against Eric “Stroda” Coxry delivered its verdict early Friday afternoon: guilty of all charges, including first-degree murder.

Chester County Judge David F. Bortner explained that the first-degree murder conviction would set up the second phase of the trial later on Friday afternoon. However, after some legal issues delayed the proceeding, Bortner dismissed the jury until Monday morning.

At that time, the panel of seven women and five men will weigh aggravating and mitigating factors to determine whether or not the 35-year-old Philadelphia resident should be put to death for the crimes, which include burglary and conspiracy.

Coxry, who showed no emotion as the verdict was issued, is one of four men charged in connection with the fatal shooting of Jonas L. “Sonny” Suber, 33, of Coatesville, on Oct. 21, 2006. Suber, who owned a Coatesville barbershop, was struck by eight bullets after he answered the front door of his home in the 400 block of Walnut Street about 9:15 a.m.

“I’m very happy with the verdict,” said Bashera Grove, the victim’s widow and a witness to the homicide.

During four days of testimony, Deputy District Attorney Ron Yen said the evidence supported the fact that Duron “Gotti” Peoples, 35, had sought revenge against Suber because he had slept with Peoples’ girlfriend. Peoples directed Shamone “Kadof” Woods, 31, of Coatesville, to have Suber killed. In response, Woods hired Coxry to pull the trigger while Jeremiah “Young” Bush, 26, of Philadelphia, drove the getaway car, Yen said.

In May, a jury convicted Bush of first-degree murder, and he received a mandatory life sentence; Peoples and Woods are awaiting trial.

Coxry’s attorney, Brenda Jones, had argued that many of the prosecution witnesses were tainted for various reasons, including trying to curry favor with authorities; however, Yen countered that they corroborated each other. Jones also argued that no fingerprints or DNA linked Coxry to the crime; Yen suggested that a hitman would be prepared to avoid leaving such evidence.

Suber’s mother, Donna Suber Pendleton, said she was relieved that the first phase of the trial had ended. She said she took vacation time from her job so that she could attend the proceedings every day as a way to pay tribute to her son. She said he was killed right before he had planned to start a school for aspiring barbers.

Proficient in football and basketball, her son always appreciated his educuation, she said, adding that he never missed an  opportunity to encourage kids to excel in school. “If they showed him a good report card, they got a free haircut,” she said.