A Franklin County jury recommended Tuesday that a man serve seven years in prison for the death of his uncle.

Circuit Court Judge William Alexander has not yet formally sentenced John David Hodges Jr., who late Tuesday night was convicted of voluntary manslaughter and possession of a firearm by a felon. The jury recommended a six-month sentence and $1,000 fine for the latter offense. The sentencing phase of the trial finished just before midnight.

Hodges, 40, told jurors that he and his uncle, Paten Hodges, had a history of problems with each other that came to a head Feb. 16 at the One Stop Shop on Doe Run Road near Rocky Mount.

John Hodges testified that he encountered his drunk uncle at the store, and the two began arguing over John Hodges' recent marriage to his uncle's ex-wife.

Hodges went into the store, and his uncle left.

As John Hodges was leaving, he noticed his uncle walking toward him from across the street, yelling.

John Hodges said Paten Hodges was threatening his life and that he thought his uncle had a weapon.

John Hodges pulled a rifle from his truck and fired once, hoping to scare Paten Hodges. The men were 75 feet away from each other when Paten Hodges was shot.

A sentencing date has not been set. Hodges was still out on bond Wednesday.