Verdict reached in Kate Steinle murder trial

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- The jury in the 2nd-degree murder trial of Jose Ines Garcia Zarate, accused of shooting and killing 32-year-old Kate Steinle in 2015 at Pier 14, has reached a verdict. The jury will return its verdict shortly at the San Francisco Superior Court, according to court spokesperson Anne Donlan.

WATCH LIVE: ABC7 at the SF Hall of Justice awaiting Steinle verdict

Deliberations among the jury of six women and six men, three of whom are immigrants, lasted the equivalent of six days days. Judge Samuel Feng turned the case over to them after nearly five weeks of testimony and arguments. Their first job was to elect a jury foreperson.

The case gained notoriety because Garcia Zarate is an undocumented immigrant who had been deported several times and had several felony convictions. Steinle's death became part of the immigration debate in this country. During his campaign, President Donald Trump criticized San Francisco for its sanctuary city status.

VIDEO: How the killing of Kate Steinle launched a battle over sanctuary cities

The Steinle family has been waiting for two years and four months for this day. Kate Steinle was shot and killed when she was walking with her father and a friend on the pier.

Garcia Zarate claimed he found the gun under a swivel chair at the pier, picked it up and it accidentally fired hitting Steinle in the back. But first, the bullet ricocheted and then traveled 78 feet before striking Steinle.

VIDEO: Court bombshells that could determine verdict in Kate Steinle murder trial

The prosecution has always maintained that Garcia Zarate had the gun all along, aimed it at Steinle and fired. But because he had little experience with guns, the bullet ricocheted first, a common mistake made by amateurs.

The jury will weigh in on the second degree murder charges, which carries a sentence of 15 to life in prison. But the jury may come back with a not guilty verdict, or involuntary manslaughter or even decide to increase the charges to first degree murder.

TIMELINE: How the Kate Steinle case unfolded

The gun used to shoot Steinle was stolen from the personal vehicle of a federal park ranger. The agent works for the Bureau of Land Management. The Steinle family is suing them.

The courtroom is expected to be filled with reporters and family members of the victim and the defendant. A representative of the Mexican consulate is also expected to be present.

Click here to look back at the events of the Kate Steinle murder trial.