A Lawrenceville man was convicted of third-degree murder today for a 2007 killing outside a Hill District club.

Kevin Coaston, 32, was found guilty by Common Pleas Judge Lester G. Nauhaus after a nonjury trial. Judge Nauhaus is scheduled to sentence Mr. Coaston on Oct. 13.

Two witnesses, who Deputy District Attorney Janet Necessary requested not be named, identified Mr. Coaston at the scene, outside the Cotton Club on Webster Avenue in the early hours of March 17, 2007. One witness said she saw Mr. Coston shoot Jerrell Everett, 18, of Beltzhoover, while the other said she saw Mr. Coaston running from the scene with a gun.

Defense attorney Frank C. Walker II said that the witness who claimed to see the shooting admitted to being drunk, and evidence of gunshot residue on the hand of Mr. Everett indicated the possibility that Mr. Coaston acted in self-defense.

Judge Nauhaus, in issuing the ruling, said he saw no evidence of self-defense, but also said there wasn't enough evidence presented to show the intent to kill necessary for first-degree murder.

Family members recalled Mr. Everett, who had attended Carrick High School, as a father of two and aspiring rapper with a kind heart.

An aunt, Chata Williams, of the South Side, described Mr. Everett as "a fun-loving person who would take the shirt off his back for anyone."

Family members for Mr. Coaston declined comment.