Family of man found guilty of 1984 rape, murder of 10-year-old speaks out

James Jackson, 66, appeared to have no reaction after a jury found him guilty of raping and murdering 10-year-old Tammy Welch in 1984.

After hours of a deliberation the jury found Jackson guilty of first-degree murder and sexual battery of a person 12 or younger.

MORE: Accused murderer of 10-year-old Jacksonville girl testifies at trial, found guilty

Prosecutors said Jackson raped and killed Tammy Welch at her apartment off 103rd Street in 1984 and that DNA was then matched to Jackson in 2013.

Fellow inmates took the stand during the trial claiming Jackson had confessed to the killing in jail.

Perhaps the most compelling piece of evidence in the case was a tattoo on Jackson's back with Welch's name and the year of her death.

Action News Jax was the only local to speak to Jackson's family prior to the verdict and they told us they believed he was being cast in a bad light, and was innocent.

“My father is not the monster that they're trying to make him out to be,” said Jackson’s daughter.

The sentencing phase is set for Dec. 19.

Jackson faces life in prison or death, however the jury must reach a unanimous decision on the death penalty.

A judge will have a final say on the decision.

Cox Media Group