countdown of the top ten stories of 2010. our number six story started in 2006--- and has been part of our countdown for a few years now it's michael astorga-- convicted this year for the murder of deputy james mcgrane. antoinette antonio shows us how this year-- the case renewed the debate over the death penalty. it was a moment four years in the making. june of 2010 -- michael astorga-- found guilty on all counts including first degree murder. tears of relief on the faces of deputy james mcgrane's parents -- as they hear the man who killed their son is convicted. as james senior and rita left the minute thumbnail 10:08 pm courtroom -- an embrace from public safety director darren white -- who was sheriff when deputy mcgrane was killed. "feel better than yesterday, it's been a long 4 years." shortly after the verdict -- the mcgrane's spoke to the media at a news conference. they say their son would be proud of his fellow officers' hard work to make the conviction happen. a battle has been won -- but not the war. "i'm not sure you can say there's closure, we cant bring our son back, we miss him every day, but it kind of is justice served." "i want to say thank you to the jury because they were able to see through new suit, a new tie, the deceit and the lies that michael paul astorga was a cold blooded killer minute thumbnail 10:09 pm and that he needed to be held accountable and justice needed to be served and i thank them for that." "we feel that justice has been served for jimmy and its a good feeling and an accomplishment for justice and we just want to thank everyone involved in helping us." meanhwhile -- on the astorga side -- his mother teresa romero was calm and collected moments after the verdict was read. she says she expected a guilty verdict. "because of new mexico's finances, we couldn't get a change of venue and got stuck in bernalillo county where everyone has heard this sob story for four years." a sob story she called it. her words -- even more harsh regarding a tearful closing argument by district attorney kari brandenburg. "oh my god, someone must have put onions under her eyes because minute thumbnail 10:10 pm she has about asuch compassion as, mm. i don't see much compassion from the woman." back over on the mcgrane's side -- they say they still have a long way to go in this case -- perhaps the most complex part of the trial -- the capital punishment phase. "and that will be probably be starting sometime in september. but we agreed to go this route way back 4 years ago and we're not backing down." but the death penalty hearing was pushed back -- until after the november election... then until january of 20-11... now -- it's on hold as the court takes time for more review. astorga's attorney arguing -- he isn't eligibile for the death penalty... since capital punishment was repealed in new mexico. antoinette antonio -