Man found guilty in 2009 slaying of liquor store clerk

A 27-year-old man was found guilty Thursday in the slaying of a liquor store clerk in August 2009.

After a six-day trial, a jury found Antonio Duenas guilty of first-degree murder, armed robbery, burglary and conspiracy for the death of Arthur Miller, 62.

Duenas, with co-defendant Michael Cruz, robbed the Loco Liquor at 4915 Pearlite Ave., near Tropicana Avenue and Mountain Vista Street, when Miller was shot.

Miller had been working at the store a few weeks and was the only clerk on duty at the time. During the robbery, shots were exchanged. Miller and Duenas were both hit.

Miller died from multiple gunshot wounds to the chest.

Duenas and Cruz were arrested about four hours after the shooting at MountainView Hospital, where Duenas was being treated for a gunshot wound to the abdomen.

Deputy Public Defender Scott Coffee said the verdict was disappointing and will be appealed.

Prosecutor Shanon Clowers said she was grateful to the jury. Duenas is "finally being held accountable for what he did. I hope the (victim's) family can now get some closure," Clowers said.

A sentencing hearing was set for March 16 before District Judge Linda Bell. Duenas remains jailed at the Clark County Detention Center on no bail.

Cruz pleaded guilty in March to first-degree murder and was sentenced to 21 years to life.

Contact reporter Francis McCabe at fmccabe@review journal.com or 702-380-1039.