Guilty, with the recommendation of mercy. It's a verdict you saw First on 5 this morning in the Michelle Michael murder trial.

The jury finally reached that decision after 12 hours, and three days worth of deliberations.

As the judge read the guilty verdict for first degree murder and first degree arson, the defendant showed little emotion.

James Michael's parents, Denny and Ruth, say they're extremely relieved. Ruth says she does not feel sorry for Michelle Michael because of the suffering she made her son go through.
Denny Michael says, "I don't hate Shelley, I hate what she did."

Monongalia County prosecutors Marcia Ashdown and Perri DeChristopher say they are pleased with the jury's decision and respect the verdict.

Defense attorney Tom Dyer says his client's lack of emotion could have affected the outcome, "She's not a crier," he says. Dyer also says while he respect's the jury's verdict, he's disappointed and puzzled, and that their fight isn't over.

Michelle Michael will be sentenced in Morgantown next month. The recommendation of mercy means that she could be eligible for parole in 15 years.