Michael Ledford Accused Of Killing Jennifer Ewing In 2006DALLAS, Ga, -- Jurors have found Michael Ledford guilty of murdering Jennifer Ewing, a cyclist on the Silver Comet Trail.
Ledford was found guilty on all 10 counts against him.
There was no reaction in the courtroom from Ledford or any family members.
The verdicts didn't seem to come as a surprise to Ewing's family members and friends - not after the mountain of evidence that tied Ledford to the murder scene
After the verdicts, Melissa Garrett, who briefly dated Ledford just before Ewing was murdered, was relieved.
"He can't hurt nobody ever again. I hope he gets the death penalty," said Garrett.
Her friend and sister agree.
"He deserves it. He's done so much more than anybody knows. And he should not have even been on the streets," said Sonya Perkins.
"I am so sorry for that family. But he'll never do it again. Never do it again,” said Patricia Benedict.
Jurors began deliberating Monday morning.
It took jurors less than 2 hours to find Ledford guilty.
Jurors are now in the sentencing phase of the trial.
They will decide whether or not Ledford will get the death penalty or spend the rest of life in prison.
A prosecutor in the trial said that “blood tattooed the truth” about Jennifer Ewing’s murder.
Jurors had a week of graphic testimony to consider.
Prosecutors reminded jurors about the woman who was almost attacked while biking the same part of the Silver Comet Trail where Ewing was attacked.
"We know that the defendant was picking on people smaller than himself. Somebody he thought he could control,” said Paulding County District Attorney Drew Lane.
Prosecutors also reminded jurors about the woman Ledford was convicted of raping in 1991, a woman who did not fight him.
"That might be why she's alive today. Mrs. Ewing had the audacity to tell him no, to fight,” said Cole.
Attorney Jimmy Berry gave closing argument for the defense.
"Our hearts go out to this family. What a terrible tragedy for the family and the friends of Mrs. Ewing,” said Berry.
Berry asked jurors to think about whether prosecutors had proven their case beyond a reasonable doubt.
He questioned the thoroughness of detectives' case.
"Why not check her fingernails,” asked Berry.
Lane pointed out Ledford's blood was found on Ewing's bike and on her socks.
"He beats her and he beats her and he beats her, 14 to 18 times in the head," said Lane. “He quite literally beats and stomps and kicks the very life out of this woman."
CBS Atlanta News will update you on Ledford's sentence.
May 15, 2009: Defense, Prosecution Rest In Silver Comet Trial
May 14, 2009: Silver Comet Jurors Hear Ledford Speak
May 13, 2009: Graphic Evidence Introduced In Murder Trial
May 11, 2009: Silver Comet Murder Trial Begins
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