Created: 7/16/2009 8:40:56 AM 
NASSAU COUNTY, FL -- Michael Ratley, the one-time hero, has been found guilty of first-degree murder.
A jury convicted Ratley in the beating death of his wife Effie with a hammer in January of 2007, about a month after he rescued his wife and newborn from their burning home in Bryceville.
Ratley testified Wednesday he didn't kill his wife.
During the fourth and final day of testimony Thursday morning, Ratley's defense called an expert to give his opinion on whether the window screen to Effie Ratley's bedroom was cut from the outside versus the inside.
Ratley's defense argued a stranger entered through the window and killed his wife as he slept in the living room.
Ratley could face the death penalty.
©2009 First Coast News. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, rewritten, or redistributed.
