WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-Rooney Convicted of Killing Michelle Gardner-Quinn

Brian Rooney will spend the rest of his life in prison. A jury in Rutland, on Thursday, found Rooney guilty of kidnapping, raping and murdering UVM student Michelle Gardner-Quinn. The jury spent more than six hours determining Brian Rooney's fate. Rooney is guilty of aggravated murder, which means he will spend the rest of his life in prison without a chance for parole. Rooney showed little emotion as a juror read the verdict.

"I think it was the DNA evidence. The DNA was overwhelmingly convincing about that Brian Rooney committed this act," said Chittenden County State's Attorney T.J. Donovan.

Michelle Gardner-Quinn's mother, father and one of her older sisters were in the courtroom when the verdict was read. Michelle's father laid his head on his wife's shoulder and cried softly after the verdict was read.

"Michelle Gardner-Quinn has been with us 20 months as a living person, but her living spirit has been with us everyday," said Michelle's mother Diane Gardner-Quinn. "We all learned something from the Gardner-Quinn's this week about decency and class and courage," added T.J. Donavan.

The state spent about a year-and-a-half preparing for the case. Jurors spent eight days in the courtroom listening to testimony from 28 witnesses. Attorneys close to the case were not able to speak about the trial because of a gag order, but the lead detective says this was one of the biggest days of his life.

"I can tell you I felt an emotion I can only compare to the birth of my children when that verdict came in," said Burlington Police Detective Ray Nails.

Family friends also exchanged hugs and tears after the trial. They say this verdict finally brings a sense of closure. Family friend Gail Fendley said, "It frees us emotionally to move on and do the good things in Michelle's name that she would be doing if she were with us today." Brian Rooney's step-father visibly shook as the verdict was read. Rooney exchanged a glance a few quick words with them before being escorted out of the courtroom.

Brian Rooney's lawyers have 30 days to file an appeal. The defense had hoped to have the charge in the case reduced to 2nd degree murder-- which carries a sentence of 20 years to life in prison.