Rapper convicted of road-rage killing

A Swedish hip-hop artist who ran down and killed a man at a Hollywood pedestrian crossing was convicted of second-degree murder, assault and battery.

David Moses Jassy, who also uses the name Dave Monopoly, was cleared of two other counts, including assault with a deadly weapon. He faces 15 years to life in prison when he is sentenced next month.

Prosecutors said the 35-year-old rapper killed Los Angeles pedestrian activist John Osnes in November 2008 after Mr Osnes banged on the hood of Jassy's rented sport utility vehicle when it stopped inside the crossing.

Deputy district attorney Sarika Kapoor said Jassy punched 55-year-old Mr Osnes in the face, delivered a "brutal kick" to his head when he bent down to pick up his glasses and ran over him as he drove away.

Jassy, who claims to have sung with and written several songs for High School Musical star Ashley Tisdale, as well as for Swedish, German and other international pop artists, told the Los Angeles court he never intended to hurt Mr Osnes.;

In tears, he said he did not know Mr Osnes had died until police told him the next day.

He said he got out of the vehicle because he wanted to see what had happened to it. He said he thought it was "going to be an argument, not a fight".

Several jurors said outside court that they were not sure Jassy deliberately ran over Mr Osnes or knew that he had done.

Police said Jassy drove away despite witnesses' attempts to stop him. He was arrested after Los Angeles police traced him through the rental car's registration number.

Family members said the victim was a self-taught "talented pianist" who worked in the travel industry so he could play professionally as much as possible.