"Today, an Alameda County, Calif. jury has found Stuart Alexander, the owner of a San Leandro, Calif., sausage factory guilty of first degree murder in the slayings of two Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) compliance officers, Jean Hillery and Tom Quadros, as well as Bill Shaline, a California Department of Food and Agriculture investigator.

"We extend our appreciation for the very hard work and dedicated cooperation of the Alameda County District Attorney's Office and the United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of California in prosecuting this case against Alexander.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of these brave public servants who were murdered mercilessly in the line of duty on June 21, 2000. They embodied the commitment to their profession and dedication to public service that is at the very core of our workforce. We will never forget their sacrifice, and their memory will continue to live through the efforts of their colleagues in ensuring food safety for all Americans."