Transient Guilty in Strangulation Over Panhandling Turf
A jury convicted a homeless man of strangling another transient during a panhandling turf battle.
Donald Lee Powell, 36, was convicted of murder last week. He faces life in prison with no parole until he’s served at least 25 years for the February death of Michael Conway, 32.
Conway was collecting about $200 a day by holding a sign at a major intersection in Orange Park, reading “Will Work for Food,” said Clay County Sheriff Scott Lancaster. He rented a mobile home, had money for alcohol and took a taxi to his begging spot.
Powell wanted to take over the spot, authorities said.
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