It took the jury a little over five hours to convict a man of murdering his estranged wife.

Ernest Freeby was found guilty of first degree murder and tampering with evidence late Monday night.

As the family of Edwina Onyango left the Carbon County Courthouse they said the legal system worked.

"I feel relieved. I feel better," said James Onyango, Edwina's brother. "Even though we don't have our sister back, but we feel that justice has been served and we are happy for that."

Edwina Onyango, a Kenyan immigrant living in Allentown, married Earnest Freeby in 2001. She disappeared in 2007.

Investigators never found a body, but after several tests done in the basement of Freeby's home in Lansford, Carbon Co., investigators said they found enough blood to charge him with the crime. His motive was Freeby's love for another woman, police said.

"It's been very tough, very tormenting on the family," said Nelson Kondulah, Edwina Onyango's cousin.  "This has been like four years since this started. Thank God that it is over."

During the trial, the defense told jurors that Edwina Onyango may still be alive, claiming she had several identities.

Now with a guilty verdict, the family still has to go through the sentencing phase.

"I hope the guy goes in for life," said Kondulah.  "I hope he doesn't come out again to do the same thing to anybody else."

The family is also thankful that Edwina Onyango can finally rest in peace.

"The waiting has been long, but it has been worth it." said Onyango.