The verdict is in.

A former Christian school leader was convicted late this afternoon of first-degree murder.

Jurors deliberated just under six hours today before finding Martin Miller guilty of strangling his wife, as she slept in their bed last July.

The guilty verdict came after a week of testimony in Douglas County District Court.

Attorneys for both sides made closing arguments this morning, prosecutors asking jurors to hold Miller accountable for killing the mother of their two children, while Miller’s attorney questioned whether Mary Miller’s death was even a homicide.

The jury of six men and six women began deliberating around 10:15 a.m. and reached the verdict later in the afternoon just minutes after asking for the testimony of two witnesses to be read back to them.

There was little reaction in the packed courtroom when the verdict was read. Martin Miller’s two children, who testified against their father at the trial, watched from the front row. Miller simply lowered his head when the verdict was announced

Martin Miller’s bond was immediately revoked and he was taken into custody.

The judge scheduled sentencing for July 20. Miller faces life in prison with the eligibility of parole after 25 years. His two children would then be in their late 30s.

Miller’s attorney said his client plans to appeal the conviction.