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A man was convicted Wednesday for killing his acquaintance with a knife over who was a better singer, according to the Orange County Office of the District Attorney. In June 2007, a trio of men were drinking and singing at San Juan Capistrano Park. 58-year-old Julian Sermano had joined two acquaintances, Maurico Molina, 34, and Blas Gutierrez, before an argument developed. Gutierrez had boasted he was a better singer, which led to a fight between he and Sermano. In an attempt to break up the fight, Molina pulled a knife and stabbed Gutierrez twice. Sermano also took out his knife, missed Gutierrez at first, and stabbed Molina, according to the Orange County Register. Sermano turned his attention to Gutierrez again stabbing him to death.
The court found Sermano guilty of second-degree murder, aggravated assault, and personal use of a deadly weapon. He faces up to 16 years in state prison. Molina received voluntary manslaughter and up to 11 years in state prison.