BINGHAMTON, N.Y. -- A feeling of relief.
"We're happy the trial is over," said Julie Skinner, trooper Christopher Skinner's sister.
It has been two years since Almond Upton killed New York State Trooper Christopher Skinner along Interstate 81 and after the jury found Upton guilty of first degree murder, trooper Skinner's family believes justice was served.
"We just want to thank the community for supporting us through everything," Julie said. "Obviously we're pleased with the verdict and we all miss Chris."
"We're thrilled. I'm so happy for Chris' family, for the New York State Police family," lead prosecutor Ben Bergman said.
An extended family which played a major role in securing a guilty verdict.
"Mr. Bergman did a great job," Julie said. "We are really grateful for him and the New York State Troopers for conducting an investigation so thoroughly when obviously, all of them were affected by this as well."
And through this process, the Skinner family gained additional family and support.
"Listen, they're the bosses," Bergman said. "Chris' mom, I always refer to as Mom Skinner now. She's great. The family is great. I love them. I'll be keeping in touch with them throughout the years."
A bond that is much needed.
And although the trial is over, the loss of trooper Skinner is still fresh in everyone's mind.
"We just take it one day at a time, put one step in front of the other," Julie said. "It's hard, but we just make sacrifices to be there for each other; do what you need to do."
Almond Upton's family was also in court, his wife in tears when the verdict was read.
They did not speak afterwords.