Teen guilty of murdering, beheading classmate in jealous rage

SALEM, Mass. — A Massachusetts teenager has been found guilty of premeditated murder in the killing and beheading of a classmate in 2016.

According to our Cox Media Group sister station Boston 25, jurors affirmed their decision in open court Tuesday as Mathew Borges stood with a blank stare.

Prosecutors argued that Borges killed his friend -- 16-year-old Lee Manuel Viloria-Paulino -- in November 2016 because he was jealous the victim had spent time with his girlfriend.

Prosecutors said Borges cut off Viloria-Paulino’s head and hands, and threw his mutilated body into the Lawrence River.

Viloria-Paulino’s body was found a few weeks later by a dog-walker, his head nearby.

TRENDING STORIES:

The teens were classmates at Lawrence High School. Borges was 15 at the time but was tried as an adult.

Borges’ attorneys argued there was no physical evidence to link Borges to the death. The defense didn’t call a single witness before resting its case.

According to Boston 25's Chris Flanagan, sentencing is scheduled for July 9 at 2 p.m. The minimum sentence is 25 to 30 years in prison.

Our Cox Media Group sister station Boston 25 and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Cox Media Group