NEWS9's Jackie Cain is reporting that Michael Harris, 53, has been found guilty of murder in the death of his former girlfriend, Jill Howard, in 1987.

The jury was unanimous in its ruling.

Harris faces 15 years to life.

Sentencing is set for Friday.

Watch for Jackie's full report tonight at 11:00 on NEWS9 Tonight and here on WTOV9.com

Soon after testimony concluded Thursday, prosecutors dropped a lesser charge of aggravated murder. Family members said they were not surprised by the move and said they understand why the prosecution made the decision.

A taxi driver found Howard’s body in an alley in 1987. Harris, who was Howard's boyfriend, was arrested 10 days after the killing, but prosecutors at that time felt there was not enough evidence to go to trial. Prosecutors have since said new DNA and physical evidence links Harris to the killing.

Also on Thursday, the final witness took the stand. Linda Ebeleth, a forensic scientist from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations, explained how she examined several items for the DNA of both Harris and Howard.

Ebeleth told the jury she found a mixture of DNA on Harris’ jacket and said “the major DNA profile was Jill Howard’s.” Ebeleth said the other DNA on Harris’ jacket is a man's DNA, but there was not enough to say for sure if it is Harris' DNA.

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