OBERLIN — An Oakdale man convicted earlier this month of killing his grandfather was sentenced Wednesday to life in prison without parole.

Laken Johnson, 19, was convicted of second-degree murder in the November 2013 shooting death of Norman Ray Johnson Sr., 64, of Oakdale. Life imprisonment is the mandatory penalty for second-degree murder.

Johnson was also ordered to serve 10 years for theft over $1,500 and 10 years for obstruction of justice. The sentences will run concurrent with the life term.

Johnson was convicted Sept. 2 after a three-day bench trial in 33rd Judicial District Court.

Authorities said he shot his grandfather, stole over $12,000 from two safes in the home and tampered with evidence, including the 12-gauge shotgun he used.

Johnson initially told investigators someone else shot his grandfather but later claimed the shooting was an accident. He led police to a wooded area near the home where he hid the shotgun after packing a suitcase and leaving the residence with his grandfather dead in the bathtub.

Defense attorney David Deshotels said he plans to file an appeal.(MGNonline)