Amber Guyger convicted of murder in wrong-apartment killing of innocent man originally appeared on abcnews.go.com

A Texas jury rejected former Dallas police officer Amber Guyger's self-defense claims and convicted her of murder on Tuesday in the fatal 2018 shooting of an innocent man eating ice cream in his own home after mistaking his apartment for her own.

The 12-member jury reached its verdict after deliberating for less than two days. Guyger stood as Dallas County District Court Judge Tammy Kemp read the decision.

"We the jury unanimously find the defendant Amber Guyger guilty of murder as charged in the indictment," Kemp read.

The family members of Botham Jean, the neighbor Guyger shot to death on Sept. 6, 2018, burst into tears as the jury granted them a measure of justice. Jean's mother, Allison Jean, held her head back and stared at the ceiling, raising her hands, thankful that justice for her son had been served.

PHOTO: Botham Jean's mother, Allison Jean, rejoices in the courtroom after fired Dallas police Officer Amber Guyger was found guilty of murder, Oct. 1, 2019, in Dallas. (Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News via AP, Pool) More

The 31-year-old Guyger, who was fired from the Dallas Police Department days after the shooting, faces a prison sentence of five to 99 years. The sentencing phase of the trial is scheduled to begin later Tuesday and the jury is expected to hear from Jean's family members before rendering punishment.

"We believe that Botham's life mattered and we want a sentence that reflects that," Lee Merritt, an attorney for Jean family, said at a post-verdict news conference.

Upon hearing the verdict, Guyger appeared to wipe tears from her eyes with a tissue as she sat back down at the defense table.

"Nothing will bring Botham back, but today his family has found some measure of justice," Ben Crump, a lawyer for Jean's family, said in a statement. "What happened on September 6, 2018, is clear to everyone: This officer saw a black man and shot, without reason and without justification. The jury’s thoughtful verdict sets a powerful precedent for future cases, telling law enforcement officers that they cannot hide behind the badge but instead will face justice for their wrongful actions."

The verdict followed a trial that lasted a little over a week. The jury was sequestered throughout the proceedings.

The jury began deliberations Monday afternoon after prosecutors told them in their closing argument that Guyger made a series of "unreasonable decisions" that cost an innocent man his life. Defense attorneys countered that she made "reasonable" mistakes that led her to resort to lethal force because she believed her life was in jeopardy.

PHOTO: Fired Dallas police officer Amber Guyger leaves the courtroom after a jury found her guilty of murder, Oct. 1, 2019, in Dallas. (Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News via AP, Pool) More

Crump later said at a news conference that the jury made "history today in America." He then cited other African Americans killed by police who were cleared of wrongdoing, including 12-year-old Tamir Rice who was killed by a white Cleveland police officer.

Crump said the verdict was "for so many unarmed black and brown people all over America" killed by police.

(MORE: Death of an innocent man: Timeline of wrong-apartment murder trial of Amber Guyger)

The jury came to its decision after asking for clarification on the definition of manslaughter and a clearer explanation of the Castle Doctrine, a legal protection for a homeowner who uses deadly force inside their home against an intruder.

Guyger's defense team attempted to use the Castle Doctrine, which is similar to Florida's "stand your ground" law, as a defense, arguing that while she was in the wrong apartment, in her mind she believed she was in her own unit, which was a floor below Jean's. The prosecution countered that the Castle Doctrine did not apply in the case.

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