WORCESTER, Mass. (AP) – A Worcester man was found guilty of second-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison on Friday for the fatal stabbing of his roommate nearly three years ago.

Prosecutors sought a first-degree murder conviction against Jerome James, 46, who stabbed 20-year-old Matthew S. Keyes 19 times, including 12 times in the back. A second-degree murder conviction means he is eligible for parole in 15 years.

Police detective Francis Bartley testified that James told him he acted in self-defense after Keyes came at him with a knife in May 2002 in the second-floor apartment the men shared.

Assistant District Attorney Kathleen M. DelloStritto told the jury that James was guilty of first-degree murder, which would bring a life sentence with no parole.

The jury deliberated for three days before returning the verdict.

Michael Keyes, the victim’s father, said in a victim impact statement that he’ll fight James’ parole opportunities, because he deprived Matthew Keyes’ the chance to be a father.

“He should have been here to see his son born, to hold him, to see his first step, to hear his first word,” he said.