PHOTO: 2014 mugshot of Wooten, who was found guilty for murdering Bennie Wayne Clark (Fort Payne Police Department).

By Staff Reports

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — A Fort Payne man has been found guilty of murder today. David Paul Edward Wooten, 45 of Fort Payne, stood accused of slaying 45-year-old Bennie Wayne Clark in 2014, reportedly with a machete. 

Wooten was convicted of the killing, which took place at Hardaman Trailer Park on South Gault Avenue back in November 2014.

Today, after almost three years, the jury returned a guilty verdict of aggravated murder after deliberating for several hours. Sentencing is set for June 27th.

Defense attorney's for Mr. Wooten argued self-defense in the matter, and the jury took several hours to decide whether to convict Wooten of murder, or the lesser charge of manslaughter.

Fort Payne Police Chief Randy Bynum recalled the murder back in 2014, "Our investigators did a heck of a job, and our patrolman got there quickly to secure the scene."

"It was one of the more heinous crimes we've seen. Justice was served by a jury of his peers," said Bynum.