MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- A gas station employee accused of stabbing a customer after an argument and cleaning up the blood was found guilty of second-degree murder following a five-day trial.

Joseph Smith, 64, was also charged with tampering with or fabricating evidence.

Police said in March 2023, they found a man stabbed to death outside the Exxon in the 100 block of N. Danny Thomas Boulevard.

Smith, who was employed at the store, initially told police that he instructed the customer to remove a hoodie pulled over his head when entering. Smith claimed the customer then approached, pulled a knife, and cut him.

However, surveillance footage showed the victim entering the store, lowering his hoodie, and beginning to select items from the shelves while exchanging words with Smith.

Prosecutors s

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