By Andrea Swayne
A Dana Point man accused of murdering one man and injuring another in a 2011 New Year’s Eve fight was convicted Wednesday.
Adam Randy Baker, 25, of Dana Point was found guilty of one felony count each for second degree murder and attempted murder with a sentencing enhancement for use of a deadly weapon, authorities said.
According to a report from the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, on January 1, 2011 Baker was sitting on a bench near the valet parking area of the Costa Mesa Hilton Hotel after attending a New Year’s Eve party. He flicked a cigarette at a group of men exiting the hotel and started arguing with one of the men.
Robert Sickles, 27, stepped in between Baker and the other man (Sickles’ brother). Baker shoved Sickles then pulled out a knife, slashed him across the chest and stabbed him once in the chest. Brian McTeigue, 26, intervened and was stabbed once in the back by Baker, the report said.
Sickles died as a result of the stab wound to his chest.
Baker faces a maximum sentence of 23 years to life in state prison.
His sentencing is scheduled for February 8, 2013, 9 a.m. in Department C-45 at the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana.
