BATH, N.Y. -- Cheers rang out in the courtroom Friday afternoon as Michael Beard was found guilty on all three counts of murder.
Beard was allegedly hired by Kelley's Clayton's husband Thomas and offered $10,000 to kill her and burn down the house.
Most of Kelley Clayton's family was in the room for the verdict, and while they didn't want to speak on camera, the prosecution says they finally have some closure.
"Obviously getting a guilty verdict helps them a lot. This guy was indeed the actual hit man, and this guy was a bad person, and it feels good for the family," said Chemung County District Attorney Weeden Wetmore.
During closing arguments Thursday, the defense asked the jury to do its best to set emotions aside despite the sensitive nature of the case. And while the defense is disappointed with the verdict, it's satisfied by the time the jury took.
"I got a sense that they were sticking to the facts and they weren't getting bogged down with emotion, but again, do I know for certain what was going on in their minds? I don't," said defense attorney Kevin Van Allen.
While the investigation was, of course, difficult on the family, it also took a toll on members of local law enforcement. Steuben County Undersheriff James Allard called it one of the most difficult cases he's ever been a part of.
"Listening to a person who has lost their mother and coming to the realization of the possible interaction of other family members in that crime, that was a difficult day," Allard said.
Beard actually confessed to killing Kelley Clayton when previously questioned by authorities. And while the defense was confident with its case, the verdict didn't necessarily come as a surprise for Beard.
"I think he was prepared for it, hopeful that it would turn out differently for the expert testimony and the false confession expert and the DNA, but it was a lot to overcome," said defense attorney John Putney.
The jury spent more than seven hours over two days before making its final decision. Beard's sentencing is tentatively scheduled for January 30.
The trial against Kelley's husband, Thomas Clayton, is also expected to begin in January.