PHOENIX (AZ Family) – The Arizona man who was accused of killing his aunt when he was 14 in the Sun Lakes area learned his fate Wednesday.

After about four hours of deliberations, a jury found Ares Adle, 20, guilty of second-degree murder.

Jurors could have decided between first-degree murder, second-degree murder or involuntary manslaughter.

Now, the jury has to decide if there are aggravating circumstances in the case. Adle now faces life behind bars.

He was handcuffed at the end of the hearing after being out on bail for several years.

Immediately after the verdict, Harper’s son Amon shared words about the conviction. Although his family expected a conviction for first-degree murder, they still found justice in this decision.

“She didn’t get to see her youngest graduate. A lot of things were taken away because of one person’s actions and it’s just a breath of fresh air to know that person is finally not out there, just sitting in regular beds. “He’s where he needs to be right now and I’m glad it’s finally over,” Amon Harper said.

During the night of February 1, 2019, Adle stabbed his aunt, Tonya Harper, 42he died at his home near Alma School and Chandler Heights, south of Chandler.

Adle admitted to the murder on the witness stand earlier this week, saying he felt threatened by a comment Harper made.

Prosecutors said he created a detailed plan for the murder, including cutting a dozen phone lines before the stabbing.

He also hid his relatives’ cellphones so no one could call for help quickly enough for Harper to survive, prosecutors said.

The knife was hidden in the bedroom closet.

Prosecutors said Harper’s last words were: “I think it was Ares.”

Adle’s defense team stated that if prosecutors can’t prove motive, they can’t prove intent. Therefore, he could not have been convicted of first-degree murder.

Mental health was not admissible in this trial, so his defense team had to fight for a lesser sentence than first-degree murder.

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