After just a few hours of deliberating, a jury found Scott Chaplin guilty of murdering Rosemary Crosier in 1994. YNN's Beth Croughan was at the courthouse when the verdict came down and has more.

  To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.

Then come back here and refresh the page.

TROY, N.Y. -- The sound of sobs was heard immediately after a guilty verdict is read in the Rensselaer County Courthouse. Scott Chaplin wiped his face, but showed no emotion after being convicted Friday of felony murder in the 1994 beating death of Rosemary Crosier.

"This is wrong in so many ways," said Jessica Sluus, a friend of the Chaplin family.

The crying came from family members and friends on both sides of this case. It has taken 18 years and two trials for Bonnie Crosier to find some relief. She was in her late twenties when her 47-year-old mother was found dead in the group home she worked at.

"It's nerve racking. And felt so sorry for my mom. More than anyone. The last time. But I'm just so happy that her death. You know what I mean, that they found at least one person guilty," said Crosier.

Chaplin's co-defendant, George Mott, was acquitted of murder earlier this year.

Special Prosecutor Robert Becher said the DNA evidence, a bite mark found on a paper towel roll, is what led to Chaplin's conviction.

"I think without the DNA evidence, there wasn't a case. I mean, there were other items of proof that were very important, but the DNA evidence was the heart and soul of the prosecution," said Becher.

But defense attorney Fred Ackerman said he's stunned by the decision, adding the prosecution lacked proof.

"If this jury can convict on a felony murder with this evidence. My god. It's a warning to our entire judicial system," he said.

But for Bonnie Crosier, it's a system, in this case, she said worked, even if it took almost two decades.

"It just, it takes a toll on a family. You know, it really, really does. And we miss her so much," she said.

Chaplin's attorney, Fred Ackerman, said he believes there are several grounds for an appeal. His client is due back in court on August 23rd for sentencing.