Wayland, Beyond Reacts to Nathaniel Fujita Guilty Verdict

It was a tearful morning for the families of both Lauren Astley and Nathaniel Fujita, 20, as a Middlesex Superior Court judge read less than an hour ago that Fujita is guilty of first-degree murder in Astley's death. 

Comments have begun to appear on Wayland Patch as people react to the verdict. 

Michael Barrett writes: "The case was very clear the evidence was OVERWHELMING," and "Nate Fujita inflected an enormous amount of hurt on many people and the entire community. There will never be a full recovery but today is the start of rebuilding as best we can."

User XYZ says he felt a second-degree murder verdict was more appropriate. "Sent to prison for the rest of your entire life for the murder of one person is still madness to me, Sweden seems to have the right idea - rehabilitation + lesser sentencing. Still, I understand the jury's decision even if I personally disagree with it."

Jonathan also noted a touching moment in court. "I just saw on WCVB's live stream that Malcolm Astley (Lauren's father) embraced and consoled Tomo Fujita (Nate's father) after court adjourned. My heart goes out to both of these families."

What do you think about the verdict? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.