An elderly Camano Island resident who was convicted of killing his best friend six years ago died in prison over the weekend.

Huey Ford was 66 years old when he shot and killed 55-year-old Mahlon “Lonnie” Gane during an argument in which Ford accused his friend of killing his grass.

Ford was confined to a wheelchair and wasn’t in good health at the time of the murder. He pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

Island County Prosecutor Greg Banks handled the case against Huey Ford and was notified about the man’s death.

“We never really expected him to get out,” Banks said, “but it happened sooner than we thought.”