Austin musician Fred Ora Ridings III, 35, has been sentenced to 32 years in prison for what prosecutors say was a drug-related slaying.

Ridings was sentenced for the August 2008 killing of Ronnie Whited, 37 after a jury convicted him Friday of murder.

Ridings, who plays guitar and upright bass, has appeared with bands at clubs throughout Austin.

His mother, Virginia Ridings, testified that her son had memory loss and paranoia over the past decade after he had been in a car accident.

Defense attorney Kent Anschutz said Ridings is mentally ill.

Prosecutor Leslie Booker argued that Ridings is dangerous and sought a 60-year prison term.