A New York man is facing 25 years to life in prison after a jury found him guilty of killing his girlfriend's 3-year-old son, Us Weekly has learned. Gionni Sellers, 26, of Middletown, was convicted on Friday, January 16, of second-degree murder and first-degree manslaughter in connection with the boy's death in June 2022, according to a news release shared that day by the Orange County District Attorney's Office. "The conduct of this defendant, as proven beyond a reasonable doubt to a jury of his peers, showed that this defendant's depraved and wicked actions caused the senseless death of a vulnerable child," District Attorney David M. Hoovler said in a statement. Sellers' defense attorney, Michael Ferraro, declined to comment on the jury's verdict when contacted by Us on Wednesday, January 21. However, Ferraro did tell Us that he plans to appeal Sellers' conviction. At trial, prosecutors told jurors that the 3-year-old victim, Xavier Johnson, was beaten during the last week of his life while Seller had been caring for him, according to News 12 New York. Man Accused of Killing GF's 6-Month-Old Baby Who Died of 'Severe Injuries' Sellers had been watching Xavier during May and June in 2022, prosecutors said. Sellers' girlfriend had left her son in Sellers' care while she worked during that time, News 12 New York reported. In June 2022, police found Xavier "unresponsive and not breathing" at a home, according to prosecutors. "An investigation revealed that in the days leading up to the child's death, Sellers inflicted blunt force trauma about the child's head and torso," prosecutors said. The injuries included severe brain trauma, leading to Xavier's death, according to the district attorney's office. First responders tried to save the toddler's life, but he was taken to a hospital and ultimately declared dead, prosecutors said. During the investigation, the internet history on Sellers' phone showed searches for "why do younger men want to hurt baby" and "baby breathing heavy after being shook," according to prosecutors. Prosecutors also showed jurors text messages they said Sellers sent to a friend, in which Sellers allegedly discussed being frustrated with his romantic relationship and expressed resentment over having to care for Xavier, News 12 New York reported. "Justice for Xavier was served," the boy's aunt, Maria Wilson, said after the jury's verdict was read, according to the TV station. "The monster is going to be put away." Grandmother, Parents Charged After Kids Found With Broken Bones "The truth finally came out," Wilson continued. "And you know what - I know Xavier is smiling down. What's done in the dark will always come to light." The jury returned its verdict within an hour of deliberations, according to the district attorney's office. Sellers' sentencing is set for March 10, prosecutors said. He is being held at the Orange County Jail without bail. "It is through the dedication and hard work of both police and prosecutors that this defendant has been held to account for his horrendous crimes," Hoovler said. If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.