That same jury took only an hour yesterday to convict Hardeman of killing 26-year-old Demetrius Simpson three years ago.

I'll be eligible for parole in 30 years.

Hardeman's mother and his defense attorney say they were disappointed Hardeman was found guilty.

But one of the victim's cousins says this verdict comes as a relief.

"He didn't do it and when the verdict came back guilty I was so hurt but you know I’m going to put it in the hand of the good lord and I’m going to let him work with it,” says Rhonda Hardeman Defendant’s mom.

"We felt like the state had not presented enough credible evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he had committed a crime we thought the scientific evidence was on our side,” says Bruce Martin Defense Attorney.

"We cried for so long but we not crying anymore. Yes, we're happy,” says Dirhonda Alexander Simpson’s cousin.

Prosecutor Starla Jones says she is pleased with the outcome of Hardeman's trial.