The family of Dr. Teresa Sievers has been waiting the past four years to hear a verdict in the case against her husband for her murder. They had to relive the vicious killing of their beloved on multiple occasions.
Finally, a huge weight was lifted off their shoulders Wednesday — Mark Sievers was found guilty of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder of his wife.
Mark Sievers was originally accused of hiring his former best friend, Curtis Wayne Wright, to carry out the murder of his wife. Wright took a plea deal and testified against both Mark and Jimmy Rodgers, the man Wright hired to kill Teresa. Rodgers was found guilty of second-degree murder in Teresa’s death.
Rodgers and Mark both awaiting sentencing now. Rodgers will avoid the death penalty, while Mark faces the potential for it.
Powerful emotion was shown from Teresa’s mother, brothers, sister, family and friends inside the Lee County courthouse as the guilty verdict was read aloud.
They shared heartfelt hugs with one another and with the prosecutors who helped get justice for their family.
Teresa’s sister, Anne Lisa, had only one way to describe her emotion walking out of the courtroom.
“So relieved, so relieved,” she said. “I’m just so glad it’s over. We want to get on with our lives now.”
NEIGHBORS REACT TO GUILTY VERDICT
Neighbors are also relieved to hear Mark Sievers will never walk their streets again.
Neighbors we spoke to are happy to hear the verdict and say their neighborhood can finally move on.
Neighbors say they didn’t see people out walking dogs as often or children playing. One neighbors said finally hearing the guilty verdict brought against Mark was emotional.
”We can move on from this too. That’s really important moving on now. You know, we’re not in limbo any more. After four years its done,” neighbor Donettea Contreras said. “It’s a long time coming, justice for her family.”
Neighbors said the most difficult thing about living in the neighborhood was watching the Sievers’ empty house sit empty for so long. They’re happy it was sold and want to embrace the new family that will move in.