ST. LOUIS • A St. Louis Circuit Court jury this week convicted Theodis Holmes, 32, of fatally shooting a man after a dispute at a liquor store.

Holmes, of the 1300 block of Goodfellow Boulevard, was convicted of first-degree murder and armed criminal action in the shooting death of Stephen Ward on Feb. 27, 2011.

Authorities said a dispute began after Holmes cut in front of several people in line at the PX liquor store on 4938 Natural Bridge Avenue.

After the dispute, police said Holmes returned and shot Ward, 39, of the 4700 block of Palm Street. Ward was hit in the chest and died at the scene.

Holmes has a criminal history that includes drug possession, gun charges and receiving stolen property, and he is currently on probation.

A jury returned a verdict on Wednesday after a three-day trial.

Holmes' sentencing has been set for May 2.

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