An Iroquois County jury this (Thursday) evening returned a guilty verdict against Andrew Condon for the 2012 murder of Jonathan Rubin of Danforth.

The jury deliberated for just under four-hours, ending a nine-day trial before Judge Gordon Lustfeldt. 

The 36-year-old Condon took the stand in his own defense, opening the door for the state to display the unrest and aggitation of Condon.

"I wanted the jury to see the true Andrew Condon.  I don't think by taking the stand he helped himself," State's Attorney Jim Devine said after the trial. "Through his answers to my questions, he opened the door to my questions to his criminal history, which otherwise would not have been disclosed to the jury."

Devine said there was a cockiness and anger that Condon displayed in response to cross examination that didn't help his cause.

"Andrew Condon's a manipulator," Devine added.  "That's what he was trying to do...manipulate the jury to see things his way.  The jury though, saw thru what Condon was trying to do." 

Sentencing won't happen until October, at earliest.  Because the murder involved a firearm, Condon faces 45 years minimum in prison.  First degree murder is a minimum 20 years but the aggravated circumstance with use of a firearm, there's an automatic 25 year enhancement.

94.1 WGFA