SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- The man charged with the beating death of John Costanza last year was found guilty of murder in the case on Thursday.

The jury found Gregory Scott guilty of murder and first-degree lynching in the death of the 25-year-old man.

The verdict was handed down just before 4 p.m. after nearly four hours of deliberation.

Costanza was found dead behind an apartment building in Spartanburg last year. The coroner said he had been beaten to death.

The judge sentenced Scott to life in prison for murder and 40 years in prison for lynching. He said the sentences will be served concurrently.

Scott maintained his innocence after the verdict. He told the Costanza family he was sorry, but that he was not the person who killed their son.

Watch The Ten O'Clock News with Jeff Moreau and Diana Watson for a complete update on this story.