A Hayden man was convicted Wednesday for murdering a woman in a fatal wreck last year while leading Fultondale and Birmingham police in a high speed chase.

Christopher Mitchell, 23, was convicted of several traffic charges, first-degree assault and reckless murder by a jury, according to reports. Mitchell reportedly faces 20 years to life in prison and 10-20 years for the assault conviction when he receives sentencing on Oct. 25.

Fultondale Police Officer David Smith said police were called to the Fultondale Best Buy in April of last year; although Mitchell was allegedly fleeing after shoplifting a digital camera, Smith the call was unclear about what was actually transpiring at the store, prompting police to treat it as an emergency.

The officer, Brandon Brown, chased Mitchell for about 10 miles from the Promenade shopping center to Interstate 65 until he was ordered to stop near Coalburg Road, which is at the edge of Fultondale Police jurisdiction. Smith said Birmingham police took the chase from there.

Eventually, Mitchell’s vehicle smashed into an SUV, killing Pamela Cupps and severely injuring her husband, David Cupps. Mitchell’s speedometer was reportedly frozen at 100 mph. The wreck happened on Daniel Payne Drive when Mitchell ran a red light at an intersection.

Fultondale Mayor Jim Lowery said video taping from a Birmingham police vehicle was instrumental in Mitchell’s arrest and conviction. He said the incident prompted Fultondale police to adopt the same technology in their squad cars, as well.

Smith said civil litigation against Mitchell is still pending.