The man accused of killing retired UA Professor Mac Hadley in 2006 was convicted of first-degree murder on Thursday.

A Pima County jury convicted Marco Chavez, a 35-year-old man from Nogales. He could face the death penalty.

Hadley was a professor in the department of cell biology and anatomy in the UA College of Medicine from 1968 to 1997. He continued research in the field until the time of his death.

An intruder shot Hadley after he arrived home on Nov. 15, 2006. His car and several possessions were stolen and his house was set on fire. Hadley was 76 years old when he died.

Victor Hruby, a regent’s professor emeritus in the department of chemistry and biochemistry, worked with Hadley for almost 40 years.

The two became research partners in 1969 and continued hormone-related research until Hadley’s murder.

“”We did a lot of things that turned out to be pretty interesting and important,”” Hruby said. “”Every time I think about it, I get upset again.””

Nate McMullen, a professor in the department of cell biology and anatomy, was a colleague of Hadley’s.

“”He was an active scientist in the field of endocrinology and neuroendocrinology right up to the time that he was murdered,”” McMullen said. “”It was a terrible loss to the scientific and university community when Dr. Hadley was taken away from us.””

Many at the UA are pleased with Chavez’s conviction.

“”As a member of this department and someone who knew Mac Hadley, I was very happy to see the conviction of the individual that was apprehended,”” McMullen said.

Hruby followed the case closely from the time of Hadley’s murder and expected the verdict.

“”It’s kind of surprising (the trial) was all over so quickly, but the verdict wasn’t surprising,”” Hruby said. “”It was pretty clear that they had all the evidence and then some.””

He said he is glad the case is closed, but nothing can replace the loss.

“”You can’t bring Mac back,”” Hruby said.

He hopes the verdict will bring closure for Hadley’s family.

“”I’m very happy that this part is over and justice has been rendered,”” Hruby said. “”We make sure we do the best we can to not let something like this happen again.””