The family of a Hamilton murder victim applauded in court on Friday when a judge brought down his verdict in the killing.

On Friday, the judge found 26-year-old Jheidon Serieaux of Hamilton guilty of first-degree murder.

It’s been three years since the murder in downtown Hamilton took place, and the family of Christopher Sim is happy and relieved by the verdict.

“I don’t even know the words. Everybody is finally able to breathe knowing that the trial is over,” Lori Martini, Sim’s cousin, said.

Sim was just 31 years old when he was stabbed and killed outside the Mission Services Centre on James Street North in August 2021.

Video evidence at the trial showed a fight between Sim and Serieaux before the killing occurred.

In it, Sim can be seen dragging Serieaux by his hair. Almost twenty minutes later, the video shows Serieaux attacking and stabbing Sim, including in his heart.

In a highly unusual trial, Serieaux defended himself against the charge of first-degree murder.

He argued that he attacked Sim out of revenge for the earlier fight, but in court said he “wasn’t trying to kill him,” and instead just wanted to send a message.

Justice Harrison Arrell rejected Serieaux’s argument, saying it was “not credible.”

He said Serieaux carried out a “planned and deliberate” murder.

Now that he’s been found guilty of first-degree murder, the next step is to decide whether there should be a hearing to determine if he was not criminally responsible.

Evidence at the trial showed Serieaux has a history of mental health problems. At one point during the trial he claimed to be the second coming of Jesus Christ and told the court that God had promised him Sim wouldn’t die if he stabbed him.

Lawyers appointed to help Serieaux asked for a hearing to determine if he should be found not criminally responsible, despite Serieaux saying he doesn’t want to.

The victim’s family says they’re not too concerned about Serieaux being found not criminally responsible (NCR) because he would still be behind bars.

“I don’t even know what to think now, he says he doesn’t want to do the NCR and they’re not listening to him and we’ve got to wait more time,” Brian Boughner, Sim’s uncle said. “He’s guilty. He admitted it, seen on film, we just want to put this to rest.”

READ MORE: Stalled Hamilton murder trial continues for death of Christopher Sim