EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. (AP) — A Granite City man has been convicted of first-degree murder in the 2012 beating death of his girlfriend’s 21-month-old son.

(Credit: Comstock)
(Credit: Comstock)

A Madison County jury deliberated for three hours Friday before finding 42-year-old John Holman III guilty.

The mother of Jashean Rusher left him in the care of Holmon. The child’s grandmother found him covered in bruises and not breathing. He was later pronounced dead at Gateway Regional Medical Center in Granite City.

An autopsy determined more than 50 wounds had been inflicted on the toddler. During Holman’s trial, forensic pathologist Dr. Raj Nanduri testified some of the injuries the child suffered were consistent with those inflicted by the knuckles of an adult. Other injuries indicated Jashean had also been struck with an object.

Associate Judge Neil Schroeder will set sentencing after post-conviction reports are filed.