Harold Henthorn has been found guilty of first-degree murder after pushing his wife Toni off a cliff. In Denver Monday, it took the jury 10 hours to decide the fate of 59-year-old Henthorn, reported the Associated Press. He will be sentenced Dec. 8 with a mandatory life term.
Henthorn claimed his wife was taking photos near the edge of the cliff and fell off of it. His attorney said there wasn't any physical proof that he had actually pushed his wife off of the cliff. The prosecution said his motive was the $4.7 million dollar life insurance coverage in which he was the sole beneficiary.
On Sept. 29, 2012, the couple's wedding anniversary, Toni fell 130 feet to her death in the Rocky Mountain National Park, according to CBS News. The prosecution claimed Henthorn had scouted the area a total of nine times prior to having his wife accompany him.
This is not the first time Henthorn was brought to court on murder charges. Some believe he murdered his first wife, Lynn, in 1995, however, her death was ruled an accident. The couple stopped to change a flat tire on an isolated road and, during the process, the jack slipped and the jeep fell on Lynn, smashing her under the vehicle. Her life insurance policy was worth $600,000. Police are now investigating the death of Lynn, in order to charge Henthorn with her death as well.
Both wives died after their 12-year wedding anniversary.
"That was very meaningful. Believe it or not, I forgive him for doing it. I feel for him and his family," said Toni's mother, Yvonne Bertolet, reported ABC News. Toni's brother, Barry Bertolet, said: "We are overjoyed with the verdict, and relieved this won't happen to any other lady. We don't have to worry anymore."
