A jury found Jeremey Sickenberger guilty of third degree murder after about two hours of deliberation Wednesday, ending the Muddy Creek Township man's two day trial on a single charge of criminal homicide.

The verdict, which was read aloud at about 2:30 p.m. by the jury foreperson, brought an end to court proceedings in which prosecutors and defense attorneys sparred over Sickenberger's state of mind two years ago, when he shot and killed his best friend, Thomas “T.J.” Stockman.

Prosecutors had asked jurors to consider three possible outcomes — first degree murder, third degree murder, and involuntary manslaughter — in the case. The jury foreperson first read a “not guilty” verdict regarding first degree murder, bringing sighs of relief from Sickenberger's friends and family, who filled half of the gallery in courtroom 2 during sentencing.

The next announcement — a guilty verdict on a single count of third degree murder — brought Sickenberger's mother and other members of his family to tears. Some immediately left the courtroom while others stayed as Judge William Shaffer polled each juror to confirm the verdict.

Members of Stockman's family, some of whom appeared in court wearing T-shirts memorializing his life, appeared satisfied as they hugged each other following the announcement.

Stockman's mother, Natalie, described the trial as “one of the hardest things I've ever done in my life,” and said she was “overwhelmed” by reliving the events leading up to her son's death. Asked if she was satisfied with the verdict, Stockman said both families were in pain and nothing would change that.

“This outcome doesn't bring my son back,” she said. “And I feel for his (Sickenberger's) family, too. It's a tragedy for all of us. I don't know that it will ever get better.”

Members of Sickenberger's family declined to comment following the verdict.

Sentencing is scheduled for 9 a.m. Oct. 20. District Attorney Richard Goldinger said Sickenberger could face 20 to 40 years in prison.

Defense attorney Joseph Smith vowed to appeal, but said those filings could not occur before Sickenberger's sentencing.