David Williams Jr. has been found guilty of murder in the death of UT student Ryan McCall, who was shot and killed August 2009 as he walked home from a party.
The jury deliberated for about three hours on Friday afternoon.
McCall and his friend Michael Harahan were walking back to campus after a friend's birthday party when they were robbed.
Harahan was beaten with a gun and McCall was shot to death. With very little physical evidence, it took police years to make an arrest in the case.
McCall's father, Kevin, said they're relieved it's finally over.
"At least that page is finished. That day is over for us. Now we can just count on our family,” he said.
McCall's family was in court every day saying their main goal was to keep his memory alive.
Before Williams was sentenced, they talked about how McCall's death has impacted their lives, struggling to hold back the tears at the thought of it.
"My son never had a chance to know his uncle and Ryan never had a chance to spoil his nephew or be that positive influence in his life,” said Rudy Gold, victim's brother-in-law.
Williams was sentenced to life in prison without parole. For McCall's family, life goes on...but they say he's never far from their thoughts.
"A lot of things have happened in our life since Ryan passed. My daughter's been married. We had our first grandchild. And even when that happens, the loss enters all those great days that you have. So we know now, Ryan will always be part of what we do,” said McCall Sr.
Williams did not make any statement in court before he was sentenced and did not apologize to the family.
McCall's family has started a foundation in his name and they say that's what they plan to focus on now.
They're planning to have a charity run next Saturday in Ybor City in his honor. The foundation gives out scholarships and also contributes to the Tampa Police Memorial Fund.
Williams is already in prison on unrelated charges.