FORT PIERRE - Former Highmore Police Chief Ken Huber was convicted Wednesday of killing his wife, and town residents are relieved the case is over.

The jury took two hours to find Huber, 42, guilty of first-degree murder for the Oct. 28, 2007, slaying of Pam Huber, 46.

She was shot once in the forehead and died a few days later at a Sioux Falls hospital.

Jurors rejected Huber's claim he accidentally shot his wife as she slept next to their daughter.

He will be sentenced Friday to a mandatory life prison sentence without parole.

Witnesses said the couple had a rocky marriage. They said he was abusive and was having an affair with the county prosecutor at the time, after cheating at least once before.

"It's been an ugly chapter. It's been a long year, and I think we're glad the trial is over so everyone can move on," said Vikki Day, mayor of the town of roughly 800.

Pam Huber was a lifelong resident and served as city finance officer. She succeeded her father in that job when he died. She also had a small embroidery business and was involved in many activities.

"When Pam was shot, the town was shocked," Day said.

The mayor said she listened to closing arguments Wednesday and disagreed with the defense's portrayal of residents.

"We're not an angry town out to get Ken Huber," she said.

Todd Yeaton, a Highmore City Council member, said the quick verdict was fortunate.

The couple's two daughters are living in town with Pam Huber's sister, he said.

"It's over. That's the biggest thing. There's a collective sigh of relief," Yeaton said.