STROUDSBURG -- A jury decided a 76-year-old man in the Poconos is guilty of murdering his wife 14 years after her death.
Edward Yale was found guilty late Friday morning in Monroe County court.
After 14 years, the family says they finally have justice for their mom.
Edward Yale was found guilty of third-degree murder for the death of his wife 14 years ago.
Family members held each other tight, after crying in the courtroom.
"Of course the results came out the way they should be. Mom finally had a chance to tell her story," said Randy Litts, victim's son.
Prosecutors argued that in 2001, Yale beat and stomped his wife at the bottom of the basement stairs at their home on Mount Nebo Road in Marshalls Creek.
Yale denied the allegations and said Joan simply fell.
They jury took about 10 hours over two days to decide Yale's version simply wasn't true.
"We're excited about the fact that the jury decided to put this guy in jail for what he did. We're happy that this can happen to nobody else from him," Litts said.
Yale's third wife sat through the trial. She had no comment after the verdict was read.
Joan's family says the verdict came on what would have been her wedding anniversary.
"I wouldn't say it's a victory. It's a way to move on with the rest of our lives. I don't think anybody wins," said Ronnie Litts, another son of the victim.
The victim's sons are grateful investigators in Monroe County never gave up.
"That's the victory in this. Mom can now rest in peace with dad and everybody knows what happened to her," said Randy Litts.
Edward Yale was taken back to jail. He'll be sentenced later in Monroe County court.
