The case: A jury has convicted Donald Rolle, 47, of the kidnapping and murder of Jennifer Randel. The two had been in an on-again, off-again relationship, and on the night of Nov. 3, he beat her to death after taking her on a date. The conviction came after a week of jury selection and seven days of testimony. The trial is being held in Natrona County District Court.

What's happened so far: The third week of Rolle's trial began with him taking the stand and giving his version of the events surrounding her death. He admitted to slamming Randel's head into the dashboard and kicking her in the chest while they drove in his truck on Nov. 3. However, he claimed he had acted only after she came at him with a knife. Afterward, he said he drove to a remote area west of Casper, where he tried to kill himself.

Prosecutor Michael Blonigen called three law enforcement officers to rebut aspects of Rolle's testimony. One officer who attended Randel's autopsy said no blood had been found in her stomach. That seemed to contradict Rolle's statement that Randel vomited blood after he kicked her. Another officer identified dirt and plant material on Randel's body, which didn't square with Rolle's claim she didn't leave his truck from the time they left an Evansville bar until her body was found the next day.

Wednesday began with closing arguments from both sides. Blonigen argued Rolle committed premeditated murder in a brutal attack that took hours to complete. Defense attorney Vaughn Neubauer contended Randel's death happened much more quickly and amounted to manslaughter, rather than murder.

Jurors took six hours to convict Rolle of first-degree murder. He showed no emotion as the verdict was read by a court clerk.

The trial's penalty phase began Thursday. The prosecution offered witnesses to show Rolle was violent against men as well as the women he dated. The defense suggested he experienced a difficult childhood and wouldn't likely pose a serious risk of violence in prison.

What's next: On Monday, the defense will call more witnesses in an effort to convince jurors to spare Rolle's life. Rolle has been granted an opportunity to testify or make a statement during the penalty phase. After the defense finishes its case, both sides will make closing statements. Then jurors will decide whether Rolle should be executed or serve life behind bars.

On the Web

Visit www.trib.com/randel for daily updates on the Donald Rolle murder trial and more information on the Jennifer Randel case.