MANITOWOC, Wis. -- A jury has found Brendan Dassey guilty of helping his uncle kill freelance photographer Teresa Halbach and burn her body.

READ: Dassey Juror: It All Fit | READ: Dassey's Mother Lashes Out After Verdict | READ: Chronology In Death Of Teresa Halbach

Dassey was also found guilty of mutilating the corpse and guilty of second-degree sexual assault.

The verdict was announced at approximately 10:10 p.m. Wednesday. Dassey, 17, was charged with first-degree intentional homicide, mutilating a corpse and second-degree sexual assault in Halbach's death on Halloween in 2005. The judge had given jurors the option of considering a lesser charge of first-degree reckless homicide, instead of intentional homicide.

With the first-degree intentional homicide conviction, Dassey faces a mandatory life term in prison.

His uncle, Steven Avery, was found guilty of Halbach's murder last month and is awaiting sentencing in June.

Following the reading of the verdict, Halbach's brother, Michael, faced reporters.

"Hopefully, Teresa can now enjoy her time in heaven rather than worrying about us," Halbach said. "I'm thankful for today, but I'm more thankful for the future. Hopefully, better times are ahead."

Lawyers for Dassey, a high school sophomore with a fourth-grade reading level, had argued two seasoned detectives coerced the then-16-year-old into giving a false confession. A doctor testified he was highly suggestible and easily coerced.

Prosecutors brought in their own doctor during the nine-day trial to question that assessment. They said Dassey "stood ready and willing to assist" his uncle in Halbach's death.

Earlier this week, Dassey testified that he made up a story in confessing to the crimes. His defense team argued the details that he gave to investigators -- which he later recanted -- didn't corroborate the charge of sexual assault.

On Tuesday, psychologist Dr. Robert Gordon testified that Dassey is a slow learner who's also passive and subdued. He said that Dassey is also susceptible to making false confessions. Gordon said that Dassey has a history of learning problems and is in the borderline range of intelligence with an IQ of 83.

The prosecution has said that they found key pieces of evidence, including leg shackles and handcuffs in the bedroom, that backed up that story. They also noted that Avery cleaned up the room where the assault took place.

Halbach, a freelance photographer from St. John in Calumet County, disappeared on Halloween 2005 after going to the Avery family's salvage lot to take photos for Auto Trader Magazine of a van that was for sale.

Dassey later recanted his confession in a letter to the judge and refused to testify against his uncle.

Dassey is scheduled to be sentenced in August. Avery's sentencing is scheduled for June 1.