After about an hour and a half, a mostly female jury returned a guilty verdict against Ronnie Neal for the murder of Alamo Heights teacher Diane Tilly in Nov. 2004, KSAT 12 News reported.

The prosecution said surveillance videos, DNA evidence and Neal's daughter's testimony was overwhelming to the jury in making their decision.

The victim's friends and family agreed.

I think at least it's one step in getting this wrapped up and moving in the right direction," said Steven Tilly, Diane's son. "So, the family is very pleased."

Neal showed no emotion when the verdict came, KSAT 12 News reported.

Before Neal can be sentenced for the robbery, rape and murder of Diane Tilly, his defense team will try to spare his life by claiming that he is mentally retarded.

"Just recently, within the last couple of days, (I was) advised by appointed experts that there's a mental retardation issue," said defense attorney Joel Perez. "And by law, we have to explore it. We have no choice."

"It's tough for me to comment about whether that's true or not, but they are fighting hard for their client," responded prosecutor Catherine Babbitt.

On April 4, after a 30-day continuance, the jury will return to hear how Neal's attorneys will try to prove their client deserves life in prison as opposed to the death penalty.