ASTORIA, Ore. (AP) -- A man was convicted Friday in a 1997 beachfront thrill killing that prosecutors said was inspired by repeating viewings of ``In Cold Blood.'' The judge rejected claims that Bradley Price was a mere observer in the killing of a couple shot in the head at close range while they watched the sunrise. ``He was more than just passive. He was an active participant,'' said Circuit Judge Philip Nelson, staring down from the bench at Price. ``I'm convinced he aided and abetted.'' Price was convicted of two counts of aggravated murder and could get life behind bars. The sentencing phase begins Tuesday. The 24-year-old college dropout and sometime poet claimed at trial that admitted triggerman Jesse McAllister had an intense desire to kill someone, anyone, just to see what it felt like. Price said he attempted to talk his friend out of it, but didn't really take the fantasy seriously until it got out of control. Prosecutors contended Price bought the gun used in the attack and knew of McAllister's intention as they walked on Seaside beach the morning of July 14, 1997, and targeted a couple -- Gabriella Brooke Goza, 26, and Frank ``Kacy'' Nimz Jr., 36. Price, who fled with McAllister to Mexico, escaped the possibility of the death penalty because of a deal with Mexican authorities for his return to the United States. McAllister, 21, confessed to being the triggerman and is serving two consecutive life terms in prison. Prosecutors called it a ``thrill killing,'' influenced by the movie the suspects had rented four times -- a dramatization of the Truman Capote true-crime book ``In Cold Blood.'' -=-=- 