It took a Lehigh County jury about five hours on June 23 to find Anthony Darrell Heath of Allentown guilty of first-degree murder and related charges in the Jan. 31, 2014, strangulation death of Angela Steigerwalt of Tamaqua.

The conviction carries an automatic life sentence.

Steigerwalt’s husband of 12 years, Gary Steigerwalt, immediately shouted “Yes!” and doubled over in his chair, sobbing, clutching a tissue to his face as he heard the verdict.

It was a bittersweet moment for Steigerwalt, who was observing his birthday that day.

Family members on either side embraced him as they, too, wept. Later, the family would leave the courtroom, smiling through tears.

Heath, 26, who represented himself through the five-day trial, frequently changing his stories, remained expressionless as he listened to the verdict.

His actions and arrogant attitude drew sharp words from Judge Kelly M. Banach.

“You do not deserve to walk among us or see the light of day as a free man,” Banach said.