Sunday, 5 October 2008

Man convicted of murdering immigrant for money

International Herald Tribune
The Associated Press
Published: October 4, 2008

FREEHOLD, New Jersey: Phonarith Chhieng escaped famine, war and communism in Cambodia — only to be beaten and strangled to death in an Asbury Park alley for $40.

On Friday, a state Superior Court jury in Freehold found Alan Frost guilty of murdering the 42-year-old Verizon salesman in 2005, according to the Asbury Park Press newspaper.

Frost, a 46-year-old from Asbury Park, didn't show emotion as the verdict was read, even as tears filled the eyes of Chhieng's relatives.

Authorities say he was a victim of a plot by Frost and others to rob someone to get money to pay drug suppliers.

Benny Matthews has pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter and other charges related to the killing. Another suspect, Sharif Bass, is still awaiting trial.

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