A Maryland man has been sentenced to state prison in the fatal shooting of a man whose body was found along Route 222 in Lancaster County near the Berks County line in 2023.

Kevin S. Harmon, 38, of Gwynn Oak was sentenced Tuesday by Lancaster County Judge Craig Stedman to 27 to 54 years in prison.

A jury in March convicted Harmon of third-degree murder, theft and carrying a firearm without a license in the killing of Miguel Vazquez-Ruiz, 54, of Baltimore near the southbound shoulder of Route 222 in Brecknock Township during the early morning hours of April 23, 2023.

Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Ponessa, who prosecuted the case, said Harmon repeatedly lied to investigators and the jury, blaming Vazquez-Ruiz in order to absolve himself of the crime, according to a release from the district attorney’s office.

“He concealed evidence,” Ponessa told the court. “He concealed himself. All to get away with murdering someone.”

Harmon was acquitted of first- and second-degree murder charges, but Ponessa noted jurors did not find credible his testimony claiming that he acted in self-defense and found him guilty of murder as opposed to manslaughter.

Harmon shot Vazquez-Ruiz five times, including a final shot as he was on the ground that a medical expert testified was delivered execution-style.

Ponessa said Harmon admitted in his own testimony during the trial that Vazquez-Ruiz was crawling on the ground when he fired the final shot.

Ponessa said the murder weapon has not been found.

After shooting Vazquez-Ruiz, Harmon rifled through the victim’s pockets and belongings as he died and stole more than $2,000, Ponessa said.

Harmon then sent “shockingly cold” texts to his son about being able to pay his rent and go shopping, she said.

Harmon claimed the two were on their way to buy drugs when he asked Vazquez-Ruiz to stop the car because he had to use the bathroom. Harmon said Vazquez-Ruiz became angry and pulled a gun, which led to Harmon shooting him.

Two of Vazquez-Ruiz’s brothers urged the court to impose a tough sentence, asking how a life could be taken to pay rent.

“For $1,900 I can never see my brother again,” one of the brothers told the court.