After three years of waiting, Colorado finally knows the fate of James Holmes, the man who changed the lives of everyone when he chose to target a movie theatre on July 20, 2012.

James Holmes, the man who opened fire inside The Dark Knight Rises premier three years ago, plead not guilty by reason of insanity (though never denying he was behind the killings). Holmes was faced with 165 charges following the shooting, which left 12 people dead and 70 injured. Today, we learn his fate as jurors have finally reached a verdict on the case.

Throughout the trial, the defense claimed that, "The evidence is clear that he could not control his thoughts...he could not control his actions, and he could not control his perceptions," (Dan King, defense attorney).

Prosecutors called more than 200 witnesses to the stand during the trial in hopes of holding Holmes accountable for his actions; his actions were highly premeditated and planned out beforehand (he purchased four weapons and more than 6,000 rounds of ammunition), which prompted so many people to support the prosecution and reject Holmes' insanity plea. The Arapahoe County District Attorney George Brauchler said, "Reject this claim that he didn't know right from wrong when he murdered those people and tried to kill the others... That guy was sane beyond reasonable doubt, and he needs to be held accountable for what he did."

via CNN.com

NBC streamed the verdict live today, Thursday July 16, 2014 at 6:15pm ET. The jury was comprised of 9 women, and 3 men who deliberated for only about 13 hours. After this deliberation, the jury concluded that James Holmes was found guilty of first degree murder with use of a deadly weapon.

The next question is what price Holmes will pay (scheduled to begin deliberation on Monday), but in 2013 the prosecution signaled that it would seek the death penalty.

Three years ago, hearts throughout the country went out to Colorado where the community was attempting to grasp the tragedy that occurred at the Century 16 Movie Theatre in Aurora, CO. However, no one can truly understand the strength of a community until they are thrown into a situation where everyone is struggling to keep their heads above water and stay strong.

I am from Colorado, and I've seen the ripple effects of Holmes' actions; I know people who were supposed to be there that night, and the horror of wondering if they were safe. Regardless of what I think about the verdict, I can honestly say that I have never seen a community come together like everyone did following the events that occurred in July 2012, and I hope that the families and friends of the victims, or anyone connected may finally have some sort of closure.

Either way, we are forever Colorado Strong.