A mum-of-two has been convicted of murder after she shot her long-time boyfriend in 'self defence' following years of abuse.
Nicole Addimando, 30, was found guilty of second-degree murder on Friday for shooting and killing gymnastics coach Christopher Grover at their apartment in Poughkeepsie, New York in September 2017.
She faces life in prison at her sentencing hearing, scheduled for May 20, according to US media.
Addimando took the stand at the Duchess County Court and claimed she had suffered years of torture, physical and sexual abuse.
On the night of the murder, she flagged down a police car and told an officer there had been an 'incident' at her home.
Police found Grover's body on the couch, with one arm resting on his torso and the other at his side.
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Just hours before he died,the Child Protective Services (CPS) had visited the apartment after an anonymous complainant reported that Addimando had bruises on her and expressed concerns about for their two children, Ben and Faye.
Chana Krauss, prosecuting, said: "That wasn't self-defence. Chris Grover was sleeping on the couch. This was intentional murder."
During the trial, the jury heard testimony from nearly 20 witnesses, it is reported.
In prosecutor's version, Addimando was a "master manipulator" who concocted a story of abuse to justify killing Grover.
Krauss said in closing statement: "Grover is not on trial. Addimando killed him. He doesn't have the opportunity to defend himself."
However, John Ingrassia, defending, said Addimando had a justifiable, reasonable and legitimate belief that Grover was going to kill her.
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He also briefly recapped injuries Addimando said she sustained at Grover's hands - claiming Grover had raped her, had choked her with a bathrobe belt and used a hot spoon to burn various parts of her body.
Court attendees - from both sides - burst into tears when the verdict was read out.
"Justice served. He was with us," said Grover's mother, Gail, wearing a necklace said to be contained his ashes.
"I just wanted to say that we are heartbroken and devastated, and that we are thinking of Nikki's two children, who will go to sleep without their mom," said Addimando's friend Elizabeth Clifton.
Addimando will be sentenced next month.
