Times Staff Report

CROWN POINT | A Lake Superior Court jury deliberated only seven minutes Friday before convicting a 62-year-old East Chicago man of murdering his former girlfriend.

Leo Dent faces a maximum penalty of 65 years in prison when Lake Criminal Judge Clarence Murray sentences him July 20.

Dent's trial began Wednesday with Deputy Prosecutors Kerry Corliss and Derrick Julkes presenting testimony the killing took place Jan. 4, 2005, in the Blue Max Lounge, 3514 Main St., East Chicago.

Dent, a customer in the bar, fatally shot Michelle Taylor, 42, of East Chicago, in the head. She was working there as a bartender.

Witnesses said the shooting was unprovoked. Police captured Dent shortly afterward in a nearby alley and recovered the murder weapon.