ALBANY, N.Y. — Edward Mero has been found guilty of murder.

The jury reached its verdict around 12:45 p.m. Tuesday, determining Mero is guilty of two counts of murder in the second degree and two counts of tampering with physical evidence.

This trial has been going on for a little more than a week.

The ex-Albany Water Department employee was accused of killing roommate Megan Cunningham and then burning down the apartment they shared. The second murder was Shelby Countermine, a prostitute whose body was discovered not far from where Mero worked in Coeymans at the Albany Water Department.

Countermine's family was inside the courtroom on Tuesday and was emotional when the verdict was read.

"I think that they feel relief. They’re not in there high-fiving or anything, but I think they feel that this is the start of the healing process," said David Rossi, the chief assistant district attorney.

The prosecution did not present much physical evidence linking Mero to these murders.

The defense has argued that all the evidence is purely circumstantial, and was not enough for jurors to send Mero to prison for the two murders. Mero's lawyer, Cheryl Coleman, says there will be an appeal. Coleman says prior to the verdict being read, she told her client there is still hope, because she believes the two cases should have been handled separately.

"That was a legal decision. It was made by the court and it will become, obviously, an appellate issue," Coleman said.

Mero faces 50 years to life in prison when he is sentenced February 13.