Elton M. Jackson, 43, has been convicted by a Newport News, Virginia jury of strangling Andrew D. "Andre" Smith, 38, with whom he had sex. Jackson's capture and conviction, some police believe, could signal an end to a decade-long reign of terror in the Norfolk area where 10 other gay men (and one straight-identified man) were murdered under similar circumstances. (See: http://gaytoday.badpuppy.com/garchive/people/081197pe.htm )

Jackson was convicted of only Smith's murder, for which the jury has recommended a life sentence. Prosecutor M.J. Massie, believes that similarities between the methods used to kill Smith as well as those noted during an 11-year stretch in which 11 other killings took place "make sense" as a pattern that points to Jackson as the serial killer. "But it's not enough to say he's a serial killer," said Massie.

Previous victims, included 18 year-old Chucky Smith, Joseph Ray, in his 30's; Stacy Reneau, 21; John W. Ross Jr, 37; Billy Lee Dixon, 32; Reginald Joyner, in his 30's; Ray Bostick, 27; Robert A. Neal, 24; Garland L. Taylor, 24; Samuel E. Aliff, 31; Jesse James Spencer.

Evidence needed to convict Jackson of the previous murders has been insufficient, according to law enforcement officials. Blood from another victim, killed in 1993, was found in Jackson's bed, however, and he is known to have had contact with some of the other murder victims.

Three other persons testified at Jackson's trial, each saying that he'd attempted to choke them following sexual encounters. The prosecutor, Pamela Hampton, told the jury: "No one deserves to die like Andre Smith died."

Jackson's lawyer, Brenda Spry, asked jurors to recommend a minimum sentence of 20 years, but after 20 more minutes of deliberation, the jury decided instead that a maximum prison sentence—life-- would be more appropriate.

FBI and state police had earlier surmised—in a profile-- that Andre Smith's killer was white. Jackson, however, is black. Court documents showed FBI personnel later changing their minds, however, and saying they considered Jackson the "best suspect."