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

After nearly four hours of deliberations, the jury found 20-year-old Ares Adle guilty of second-degree murder.

Jurors could decide between first-degree murder, second-degree murder or manslaughter.

Now the jury must decide whether there are aggravating factors in the case. Adle now faces life behind bars.

After being detained for several years, he was handcuffed at the end of the trial.

Immediately after the verdict, Harper’s son Amon made statements about the conviction. Although his family hoped to be convicted of first-degree murder, they still found justice in this verdict.

“He couldn’t see his youngest graduate. So much has been taken away from one person because of their actions, and knowing that person is finally sitting in their regular bed and not outside is just a breath of fresh air. It’s where it needs to be right now and I’m happy it’s finally finished,” Amon Harper said.

Adle on the night of February 1, 2019 42-year-old stabbed his aunt Tonya HarperHe died at his home south of Chandler near Alma School and Chandler Heights.

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

Prosecutors said he devised an elaborate plan for the murder, including cutting off a dozen phone lines before the stabbing.

Harper also hid family members’ cellphones so no one could call for help quickly enough to help her survive, prosecutors said.

The knife was hidden in the bedroom closet in the bedroom closet.

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

Adle’s defense team argued that if prosecutors couldn’t prove a motive, they couldn’t prove intent either. Therefore, it was not possible for him to be convicted of first-degree murder.

Sanity was unacceptable at this trial, so the defense team had to fight for a lesser conviction of first-degree murder.

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