• Video: City Prosecutor Peter Carlisle

"It's taken a year for us to get here," city Prosecutor Peter Carlisle told reporters after the verdict was read. "I hope this brings some comfort and closure to the family."

Don Wilkerson, Lankford's attorney, spoke briefly to the news media after the verdict was announced, saying, "Shame on you (the news media). Every one of you has participated in the most dishonest reporting I have ever seen in this state!"

Wilkerson then stormed away from reporters and declined further comment.

The 12 jurors who found Lankford guilty were not allowed to speak because they are going to be deciding on Lankford's sentence. They will return May 27 to start that portion of the trial.

Carlisle said he will be pushing for an extended sentence for Lankford — life without the possibility of parole.

Second-degree murder carries a sentence of life with the possibility of parole.

Watanabe disappeared April 12, 2007.

Lankford testified in court that he tried to drive Watanabe home after he accidentally sideswiped her with his Hauoli Pest Control truck as she stood by the side of Pupukea Road. He said she had only minor injuries after the accident, but died when she became frantic and jumped out of his moving truck, hitting her head on a rock on the side of the road.

Fearful of losing his job, Lankford said, he then put Watanabe's body into his truck and completed a day of work. That night, he testified, he took the body out to sea wrapped in plastic bags. Watanabe's body has never been found.

The prosecution argued Lankford's story didn't add up.

Jurors had three options for finding Lankford guilty: murder by commission, or intentionally killing someone; murder by omission, or failing to help someone at the scene of the crime and knowing that without help they will die; or manslaughter. They chose murder by commission.

Opening statements in the Lankford case began March 4, and closing arguments wrapped up Thursday.

Jurors started deliberations Friday.