A Calgary man has been found not guilty of second-degree murder but guilty of manslaughter for killing his friend and blackjack partner of 30 years during a fight over money.

Chris Lee, 63, a.k.a. Kevin Barton, admitted to fatally choking Vida Smith on July 21, 2020, while the two sat in his car.

Jurors had been deliberating since Thursday morning.

Lee appeared to show relief as the jury foreperson read the verdict Friday night around 8 p.m.

His defence lawyer Cory Wilson called the verdict “the right decision.” 

“While we are very happy with the outcome, this decision in no way diminishes the fact that this