RALEIGH -- The jury found Chad Copley guilty of first-degree murder Thursday evening.

The judge said he was guilty of murder in the first degree by premeditation, deliberation and lying in wait.

The Raleigh homeowner was convicted of murdering a partygoer, 20-year-old Kouren Thomas, in August 2016.

The prosecution and defense had said earlier on Thursday in closing arguments that the other side hadn't proven their case.

The defense invoked the Castle Doctrine, which is a law that gives homeowners the power to use force to defend themselves and their home. They said Copley feared for his life and family the night he fired the fatal shot.

The defense attempted to create doubt among the jury by saying the prosecution hadn't proven Copley planned to kill someone and hadn't proven Thomas wasn't threatening Copley beyond a reasonable doubt.

Copley admitted he shot Thomas that night and even admitted to lying to police out of fear.

However, prosecutors said Copley's attorneys have not proven the shots were out of self-defense.

Copley could face life in prison without parole.