Johnathan Quiles found guilty of first-degree murder in death of teen niece

A Jacksonville man was found guilty of first-degree murder and sexual battery in the death of his 16-year-old pregnant niece.

Investigators say Johnathan Quiles raped, impregnated, and killed his 16-year-old niece and her unborn child.

Quiles shot 16-year-old Iyana Sawyer in December 2018 and then left her body in a dumpster, investigators say. Her body has never been found, even after a landfill was searched.

Iyana disappeared before Christmas break in December 2018.

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

The jury deliberated for about an hour and a half on Thursday afternoon.

Sawyer’s family released the following statement after the verdict:

“Today, a nearly 5-year nightmare ends with another measure of justice. We thank the jury, the attorneys, law enforcement and judge, as well as all of our friends and family who reached out when we needed it most. Jonathan Quiles has now been found guilty of murder and will go back before a jury to determine his fate on earth, but he chose to end Iyana’s young life. He was a predator and the jury saw that with ease. We are grateful. Please keep our family in your prayers. Thank you from the family of Iyana Sawyer.”

[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]

Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.