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A jury convicted the 26-year-old Sandusky man of 2nd degree murder in St. Clair County Circuit Court last week, in connection with the death of Holli Sharrow.

Kelly is scheduled for sentencing on June 11 at 1:30 p.m. in front of Judge Peter Deegan.

"The verdict brought a level of peace for the family," said St. Clair County Assistant Prosecutor Mona Armstrong. "It can't bring Holli back but it does bring a level of justice for them."

The trial stretched nearly a week and included testimony from 30 witnesses. The jury needed just 50 minutes to return a verdict.

Police said Sharrow, 22, sustained head trauma during a Nov. 24, 2006 domestic violence attack at her Fort Gratiot apartment. She died Dec. 12 after being in and out of hospitals.

Kelly pled not guilty to open murder in February, but the prosecution narrowed the charge prior to the trial. Armstrong said a first degree murder charge was not applicable because they could not prove premeditation.

"The facts and evidence in this case clearly supported a charge of second degree murder," she stated.

Witnesses called by the prosecution included law enforcement officials that interviewed Sharrow after the attack, friends that were with the couple just before the incident, hospital staff that treated Shar-row, the local medical examiner, and police that dealt with prior domestic violence between the couple.

The jury learned that this was not the first time Kelly physically abused Sharrow. He was charged three times in Sanilac County courts for separate attacks against her in 2003, 2004, and July 2006.

Defense Attorney Stephen Rabaut did not call any witnesses to the stand. Armstrong said he encouraged the jury to deliver a lesser charge of manslaughter and emphasized that Kelly did not intend to cause Sharrow bodily harm.

Many of Sharrow's family members attended the trial and plan to be in court for the sentencing. They say the trial was difficult but brought a level of closure.

"It was trying. It was like reliving it all," said Sharrow's mother, Ann Venetis of Sandusky. "I was happy with the verdict though. It seems like we will be able to get some closure, but it is still hard."

She added, "I'm hoping they will give him the maximum sentence, but I don't know what will happen."

Her advice for others who have seen loved ones fall victim to physical abuse?

"Don't give up on them," said Venetis. "I did everything I think I could have done. Holli didn't think there was a problem."