Dustin McCowan is escorted out of the Porter County Courthouse in Valparaiso after a jury found him guilty in the death of his 19 year-old ex-girlfriend Amanda Bach late Tuesday Feb. 27, 2013. | Andy Lavalley~Sun-Times Media

Dustin McCowan

Sarah Ragnone, 23, of Portgage, uses her sign to block the wind and freezing rain as friends of Amanda Bach hold a vigil outside the Porter County Courthouse in downtown Valparaiso, Ind. Tuesday February 26, 2013. The supporters, most dressed in pink, plan to stay as closing arguments began until a verdict is reached in the trial of Dustin McCowan who is accused of killing Bach, his former girlfriend. | Stephanie Dowell~Sun-Times Media

Jurors listen to closing arguments Tuesday, February 26, 2013, in the Porter County murder trial of Dustin McCowan. | J.D. Chukman~Sun-Times Media

Attorneys Nick Barnes (left) and John Vouga sit on either side of their client, Dustin McCowan, at the defense table in McCowan's murder trial in Porter County on Tuesday, February 26, 2013. | J.D. Chukman~Post-Tribune

Defense attorney Nick Barnes delivers closing arguments Tuesday, February 26, 2013, in the Porter County murder trial of Dustin McCowan. Porter County Superior Judge William Alexa is presiding. | J.D. Chukman~Sun-Times Media

Defense attorney Nick Barnes delivers closing arguments to Porter County jurors Tuesday, February 26, 2013, in the murder trial of Dustin McCowan. Porter County Superior Judge William Alexa is presiding. | J.D. Chukman~Sun-Times Media

Deputy Prosecutor Cheryl Polarek delivers closing arguments to Porter County jurors Tuesday, February 27, 2013, in the murder trial of Dustin McCowan. | J.D. Chukman~Sun-Times Media

News of a guilty verdict set of a celebration for supporters of Amanda Bach outside the Porter County courthouse in Valparaiso Tuesday Feb. 27, 2013. The jury decide 20 year-old Dustin McCowan was guilty in the death of Bach who was killed Sept. 16, 2013. | Andy Lavalley~Sun-Times Media

Gayle Laney, left, comforts Kim Howe following the news of a guilty verdict against 20 year-old Dustin McCowan outside the Porter County courthouse in Valparaiso Tuesday Feb. 27, 2013. Howe's son, Brandon Hutchins, testified for the prosecution during the trial. Laney and Howe gathered with other supporters of Amanda Bach and her family. | Andy Lavalley~Sun-Times Media

William and Sandy Bach and their daughter Sarah react to cheers as they exit the Porter County Courthouse in Valparaiso late Tuesday Feb. 27, 2013. Moments earlier a jury returned a verdict of guilty for Dustin McCowan for the murder of their daughter Amanda. | Andy Lavalley~Sun-Times Media

Sandy Bach carries a photo of her daughter Amanda as supporters cheer a guilty verdict against 20 yaer-old Dustin McCowan outside the Porter County courthouse in Valparaiso Tuesday Feb. 27, 2013. | Andy Lavalley~Sun-Times Media

Friends and supporters of Amanda Bach gather to offer a prayer of thanks following a guilty verdict in the trial of 20 year-old Dustin McCowan outside the Porter County courthouse in Valparaiso Tuesday Feb. 27, 2013. McCowan was found guilty in the death of Bach, 19, who was killed Sept. 16, 2012. | Andy Lavalley~Sun-Times Media