Anthony Mercado must serve from 15 years to life in prison for the 2004 murder of Sunset Beach resident Percy Baker.

Circuit Judge Richard Perkins imposed a sentence of life behind bars and ruled that Mercado must serve at least 15 years before being considered for parole.

The Hawaii Paroling Authority could determine later that Mercado's minimum term of imprisonment should be longer than 15 years.

Mercado was a homeless acquaintance of the victim's and acknowledged smoking crystal methamphetamine in Baker's home the night of the murder, but denied responsibility for the death.

Mercado testified that Baker made unwanted sexual advances toward him that night.

Witnesses said Mercado admitted to them that he killed Baker, 61.

Baker was stabbed in the neck and chest. His partially decomposed body was found in the house, tightly wrapped in a blanket.