Marni Yang convicted of murdering girlfriend of Shaun Gayle, ex-Chicago Bear

(CBS/AP) WAUKEGAN, Ill. - Marni Yang was convicted Tuesday for murdering the pregnant girlfriend of former Chicago Bear Shaun Gayle, in what prosecutors alleged was an extremely meticulously planned killing of someone Yang considered a rival for the football player's affection.

The Lake County jury found Yang, 43, guilty of first-degree murder and intentional homicide of an unborn child in the October 2007 shooting of Rhoni Reuter, 42. Yang faces a minimum of 45 years in prison, when she is sentenced later this year.

Yang didn't testify during the trial, however, Gayle testified he met Yang in 2005 and the two had a business relationship that turned sexual.

In closing arguments, the prosecutor called the death of Reuter a "carefully planned out execution," with Reuter's pregnancy prompting Yang to spend months plotting her murder.

The defense countered saying there was no physical evidence connecting Yang to the crime scene. The defense acknowledged Yang knew Gayle but argued that the Pro-Bowler was involved with as many as 18 or 19 women at the time of Reuter's death.

Reuter was seven months pregnant with Gayle's child at the time of her murder. Gayle and members of Reuter's family were in attendance when the verdict was returned.

Click here for complete coverage of the Rhoni Reuter case on Crimesider