ARDMORE, OK -- The verdict is in for a Healdton man accused of killing his girlfriend more than two summers ago. The final verdict was handed down Thursday afternoon.

After the jury heard closing arguments Thursday morning, they were released to deliberate, and after two and half hours, they returned with a guilty verdict.

"Do you have anything to say about the verdict?" (Dara)
"There's not much I can say, they done their job." (Haslacker)

After a three day trial, the jury convicted Christopher Haslacker of first degree manslaughter for the killing of Connie Griffith in August of 2008.

They recommended a 29-year prison sentence. District Attorney Craig Ladd says that Judge Lee Card upheld that recommendation.

Ladd says Haslacker will have to serve 85 percent of that 29 years.

Members of both Haslacker and Connie Griffith's family were very emotional when they exited the courtroom.

Connie Griffith's family declined to comment while the trial was going on, but Thursday afternoon they spoke with KXII.

"I'm just glad everything worked out good. And I'm like him, I'm really thankful to Craig and Judy for helping us," said Judy Griffith.

KXII also spoke with the Haslacker family after they received the verdict, who said they were very upset with the jury's decision, and with the overall trial. They say they plan to appeal the guilty verdict.