Robert McGranahan was found not guilty in the March 2013 stabbing of Edward Demko Jr.
NEW BRUNSWICK -- A jury on Friday found an Old Bridge man guilty of aggravated manslaughter instead of murder in connection with the stabbing death of a Sayreville man he met on a dating site.
After two and a half days of jury deliberations in Superior Court in Middlesex County, Robert McGranahan was convicted of the lesser charges of aggravated manslaughter, instead of murder, and possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose in the March 2013 death of Edward Demko Jr.
Authorities said McGranahan, then 26, met Demko, 65, on a dating site, went to Demko's Sayreville townhouse and had a sexual encounter with him. After the encounter, McGranahan stabbed Demko to death, authorities said.
Demko suffered nearly two dozen injuries from the attack, including stab wounds to his back and chest, authorities said. McGranahan sustained a wound above his eye and scratches on his back.
McGranahan's attorney, Michael Policastro, argued his client was acting in self-defense. But Assistant Prosecutor R. Scott LaMountain said it's clear who the attacker was.
"The only person with injuries from an altercation in this case is the guy who is dead on the floor," LaMountain said during his closing arguments on Tuesday.
On Friday, before the jury shuffled into the courtroom, McGranahan read passages from the Bible. The victim's family held each other tight.
After the jury forewoman read the verdict, McGranahan took his glasses off and placed his head in his hands. He broke his silence only to thank Middlesex County Superior Court Judge Dennis Nieves as the judge exited the courtroom.
Demko's family members said outside the courtroom that the verdict means justice was served for their brother.
"He can rest in peace now," said Demko's sister, Diane DiGangi.
Policastro, McGranahan's attorney, commended the prosecutors in the case, and said he believes Judge Nieves gave a "very fair trial."
"I respect any time 12 people from the community unanimously agree on anything," he said. "It could have been hung, but it wasn't. So I respect that."
McGranahan, who faces 30 years in prison, is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 6, 2017.
Alex Napoliello may be reached at anapoliello@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @alexnapoNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.