Former Pitt football player Steven J. Walker was found guilty of murder Tuesday in the Stark… Former Pitt football player Steven J. Walker was found guilty of murder Tuesday in the Stark County Court of Common Pleas. Walker, 19, now faces 15 years to life for the murder of Michael Cheek, 17.

Walker shot Cheek after an argument at a gas station in Canton, Ohio. Police said before the trial that Cheek was running to his car when he was shot. He died of massive blood loss.

Walker was also found guilty of carrying a concealed weapon, for which he received an additional six months.

After a promising run in high-school football, Walker received a scholarship to play at Pitt in the fall of 2004, but after four months on the roster – and no playing time – Walker was dismissed in December.

Wayne Graham, Jr., Walker’s attorney, could not be reached for comment.

Walker is now in the custody of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. His sentencing form also stated that he must pay the cost of the trial.