A man who might be dead was convicted of rape in Delaware after he didn't show up in court.

The Delaware State News reports a jury Wednesday found 45-year-old William L. Reynolds guilty on seven rape-related counts, including first-degree rape with injury, in connection with a November 2016 incident.

The Maryland man failed to show in court Wednesday, and Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Clark ordered a writ for his arrest. After the verdict was issued, Clark referenced a "credible" report that Reynolds had died in Maryland. He ordered Reynolds' bail revoked.

Deputy Attorney General Kathleen Dickerson told Clark an investigator was trying to confirm Reynolds' status. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

Dickerson and defense attorney Jaime L. Walker had agreed jury deliberations should continue despite Reynolds' absence.

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Information from: Delaware State News, http://delawarestatenews.net