Woman Guilty of Killing Ex-'s Mother, Stabbing His Son

A dramatic murder trial ended Wednesday afternoon, with jurors finding a local woman guilty of killing a grandmother and stabbing her grandson.

It was not apparent, but her lawyers said Rhonda Norman shook and cried after hearing the verdicts-- guilty on all counts, including first degree murder and attempted first degree murder.

The victims family and friends cried and hugged.

Norman had admitted to police she recruited a man she didn't even know to get revenge against ex-boyfriend John Tackaberry. Norman told police she and accomplice Wes McGee beat and stabbed to death John's mother Jane Tackaberry, then cut the throat and chest of John's son, 6-year old Elijah. The boy survived.

When asked about the verdict, Jane's daughter Stephanie Rinzel told CBS 12 it was the verdict she wanted, but burst into tears saying, "It's not going to bring my mom back and it's not going to help Elijah."

John Tackaberry announced in a loud voice outside the courtroom, "Be it known that justice was served finally." Moments later John was on a stretcher being treated by medics in the courthouse, after being overcome with emotion.

Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for both Norman and McGee. Jurors return in August for the sentencing phase of the Norman trial. After hearing testimony, jurors will recommend either the death penalty or life in prison with no parole. McGee will be tried later.

"What they chose to do the air is not good enough for them to breathe," said Rinzel, explaining why she wants the death penalty for both of the accused. "I've thought long and hard about it," said Rinzel. "I think everybody should know if they're going to do that to somebody, they deserve it"

Rhonda Norman's lawyers had admitted her involvement in the attack, but tried to convince jurors she was less culpable and should be convicted of the lesser crime of manslaughter. Jurors didn't buy it.

At next month's sentencing, Norman's lawyers will push for life in prison. They said they would bring up Norman's troubled childhood and life. Norman's lawyer Gregg Lerman said, "Not that you don't punish people, but you don't punish people with the death sentence when they're not products of their own choice."