Ex-NFL player Eric Naposki found guilty in murder of Calif. millionaire William McLaughlin

(CBS/AP) SANTA ANA, Calif. - A jury on Thursday found former NFL linebacker Eric Naposki guilty of killing Southern California millionaire William McLaughlin in his Newport Beach home in 1994. 

In addition to finding Naposki guilty of first-degree murder in the shooting death of McLaughlin, the panel also found true a special circumstance allegation that Naposki committed the murder for financial gain and that he personally discharged a firearm.

Authorities say Naposki was romantically involved with McLaughlin's girlfriend, Nanette Ann Packard, who stood to collect $1 million in life insurance from McLaughlin's death. She also is charged with murder and her trial is scheduled for later this year.

Both Naposki and Packard had long been suspected in the 1994 shooting death, but the case went cold until police said they uncovered evidence that linked the pair to the killing.

Prosecutors said Naposki was given a key to McLaughlin's home by Packard and shot him six times. After the shooting, Naposki headed to his job at a nearby bar where he was a bouncer, prosecutors said.

Defense attorneys argued that Naposki had an alibi and that Packard was the only one who had the motive, means and opportunity to kill McLaughlin.

Sentencing for the former New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts linebacker is scheduled for Oct. 21. Naposki faces a potential life term in prison without the possibility of parole, reports the Orange County Register.

More on Crimesider
June 20, 2011 - Trial begins for ex-NFL player Eric Naposki and lover, accused of killing Calif. millionaire William McLaughlin
August 10, 2010 - Former NFL Player, Ex-lover Heading to Trial for 1994 Cold Case Murder of Bill McLaughlin