Jessie Hernandez, 43, of Holmes Beach, was convicted Jan. 5 after pleading no contest to second-degree murder with a weapon.
The felony is punishable by life in prison without the possibility of parole, probation for life and a $15,000 fine.
Hernandez was arrested in February 2020 for stabbing a co-worker, Bradenton resident Rene Escobido Balditt, 48, while working at the Main Street condominiums in the 200 block of the Third Street West in Bradenton.
Balditt was found with stab wounds to his upper body.
Hernandez, who reportedly confessed to killing Balditt in a 911 call and to police officers, has remained in custody without bond.
He pleaded not guilty in April 2020 and moved to dismiss the case but was set to move forward to a jury trial the week of Jan. 10, before he changed his plea.
A sentencing hearing will be at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 16, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.
— Ryan Paice