After two years and almost one month of heartache and anticipation, a verdict in the trial for the disappearance of Allen resident Christina Morris has been confirmed; Enrique Arochi has been found guilty of the kidnapping of Christina Morris.

Arochi and Morris both graduated from Allen High School in 2009. The pair were at the Shops of Legacy with a group of other AHS alumni on Aug. 30, 2014. Christina was reported missing two days later by her father after she failed to show up for work and was not answering her phone. Arochi stated in police interviews that he and Christina barely knew each other although he was the last one to see her alive.

Morris and Arochi were seen on tape leaving a parking garage in the Shops of Legacy. He was arrested in December 2014 for the aggravated kidnapping of Morris.

The trial was originally set for June 6 but was postponed three months so that both the defense and prosecution could properly sort through their evidence. The defense also motioned for a change in venue, stating that the publicity of the Collin County courthouse would make it difficult for Arochi to have a fair trial. The judge ultimately denied that motion, and the trial was held in Morris and Arochi’s home county.

Twelve jurors in the Collin County courthouse listened to the prosecutor touch on three main arguments that built the case: Arochi’s cell phone location, the parking garage surveillance and DNA evidence in the trunk of Arochi’s car.

Arochi’s phone location pinged at the garage around 3:55 a.m., which didn’t match his statement that he had left much earlier. Morris’ car was also not seen on tape leaving the garage, while Arochi’s was. The prosecution’s core argument came from the forensic DNA found in Arochi’s trunk which matched Morris’ blood and skin cells. Co-workers of Arochi also testified to his odd behavior the day after Morris disappeared and bite marks on his arms.

The defense argued that Hunter Foster, Morris’ boyfriend at the time, was overlooked and should be reevaluated as a prime suspect. Foster did not initially come forward with his phone evidence because he was afraid he could also be prosecuted for possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute. Foster made a deal with Plano police to help them with their investigation in order to be acquitted of potential non-violent drug charges.

Text messages between Morris and Foster proved that Foster was in Dallas all night, and the two maintained contact until early morning. The defense also tried to argue the relevance of many pieces of evidence that were accepted into the court.

Despite the defense’s hope, the guilty verdict was read after 17 hours of deliberation. Arochi could face up to life in prison with the eligibility for parole. His sentencing trial will be at the McKinney court on Monday, Sept. 25.

Morris’ family erupted into tears and a group hug after the verdict was announced, and Morris’ mom was seen pumping her fist in the air. While justice has been served for Christina Morris, her family and friends will still live with the pain of her unknown whereabouts. A $30,000 reward is being offered for any information regarding Morris’ location.