Wisconsin ? A high school student was convicted Thursday of fatally shooting his principal three times as homecoming festivities were about to begin last fall.

The jury deliberated for nearly 6 1/2 hours after closing arguments Thursday before deciding on the first-degree intentional homicide charge against Eric Hainstock, 16.

Sauk County Circuit Judge Patrick Taggart gave jurors the option of considering lesser charges of first- or second-degree reckless homicide.

The teen could face up to life in prison at his sentencing, which was scheduled for this morning. He waived a pre-sentence investigation.

Prosecutors argued earlier Thursday that Hainstock shot Weston Schools Principal John Klang on purpose Sept. 29, lied about the gun going off during a struggle and has been trying to blame others ever since.