BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. — A Broward jury found Torrey Holston and Jose Romero guilty in the 2019 killing of Coral Springs firefighter Christopher Randazzo, bringing what his family described as long-awaited justice nearly seven years after his death.

“We’re ecstatic. We’ve been waiting since October 2019 for some justice. It’s been a long wait,” said Bobby Randazzo, Christopher Randazzo’s brother, moments after hearing the verdict.

“Guilty,” was read in court as the verdict was announced.

Holston and Romero were convicted in the killing of the 39-year-old.

“I feel bad for their families too because they ruined their families. But they still get to see them and hear from them,” Bobby Randazzo said.

Nearly seven years ago, Christopher Randazzo’s body was found near the Southern Seas Resort in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. His iPhone, sneakers, wallet and keys were taken after he was shot in the back of the head.

“We have closure and can put it to rest,” Bobby Randazzo said. “We got justice for him so now maybe he can rest in peace.”

Randazzo’s family, including his elderly father, remained in court throughout the weeklong trial.

“It was awful. It’s something you’ll never forget,” a family member said. “It gives us the truth of what happened instead of imagining the last seven years.”

Following the verdict, Holston was seen mouthing “I love you,” blowing a kiss and making a heart shape with his hands while in handcuffs.

Romero’s attorney said an appeal is already being considered.

Although both men were found guilty of murder, they were not found guilty of possessing a gun or discharging a firearm.

“I think the jury was clear and unanimous on the involvement of both. It perhaps couldn’t find beyond a reasonable doubt who is the actual person,” Judge Michael A. Usan said.

“The jury’s verdict was inconsistent, basically told us we don’t know who had a gun, or how this man was killed and that’s troubling,” said Jim Lewis, Romero’s attorney.

Lewis said trying both men together was a “detriment.”

“We had always asked to be separate. Jose Romero was never alleged to carry a gun in this incident. The co-defendant was, so to some extent we paid the price,” Lewis said.

Following the verdict, the Randazzo family said they planned to visit his gravesite.

“He was a joy at home and anyone he ever ran into,” a family member said. “We brought light to everybody’s life and everybody misses him for it.”

Prosecutors were not seeking the death penalty in the case, but both men face mandatory life sentences. They are scheduled to return to court in June for sentencing.

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