Derick Davis II, of Durham, is also charged with first-degree murder and armed robbery in the death of 59-year-old Feng Liu. Davis will be tried next.
The men allegedly hit Liu over the head with a stone as he walked in Chapel Hill. They then took his wallet. The research professor died a day later at the hospital.
The news stunned the community.
Orange County District Attorney Jim Woodall is not seeking the death penalty for either man.
Liu was an internationally-known scientist who had worked in UNC's Eshelman School of Pharmacy since 2005.
Jury begins deliberations in murder of UNC professor
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