A 48-year-old man became a twice-convicted murderer after jurors found him guilty of stabbing a man in downtown Minneapolis during a dispute over nude photos of the victim's sister.

Bruce Fry of Minneapolis was convicted this week in Hennepin County District Court of second-degree murder in connection with the attack on Shequill Halbert, 24, in an apartment hallway on July 13.

Fry was convicted of murder in Chicago roughly 20 years ago in a case involving a struggle over a gun. He also has convictions in Illinois for robbery and drug-related crimes.

The Hennepin County Attorney's Office said Thursday it will seek the maximum sentence of 40 years, given Fry's violent history.

According to the criminal complaint and testimony during the weeklong trial, police found Halbert stabbed to death in a hallway in the apartment building in the 1100 block of 8th Street S.

Halbert's sister told police that she and Fry had been romantically involved and that he had been showing nude photos of her to people around town.

Bruce Fry

Apartment surveillance video showed Halbert buzzing a number at the building's front door. Fry came to the door and had words with Halbert. Halbert retreated and Fry pursued him as they continued their exchange, prompting Halbert to push Fry away.

Fry stabbed Halbert with a small knife, wounding him in the head and upper torso. As Halbert stumbled to his feet, Fry swiped at him with the knife again before chasing him out of the camera's range. Less than a minute later, Fry ran out the back door of the building.

Fry's attorney said his client was acting in self-defense and did not intend to kill Halbert.

Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482