By Jeff Skrzypek

Coquille, Ore. -- After searching for answers for more than a decade, we now know who police think is responsible for killing Leah Freeman.

It's been an emotional day for Leah's family and mother.  After looking for closure for more than 10 years, the person they thought was responsible all along has finally been arrested.

"The Coos County grand jury has returned an indictment charging Nicholas James McGuffin with the murder of Leah Freeman," said Coos County District Attorney Paul Frasier.

Leah Freeman's former boyfriend Nicholas McGuffin has been arrested and charged with murder, the person many thought initially had killed Leah.

"Was Mr. McGuffin suspected of being the person here in this case?  Yes, he was.  There simply was not enough evidence to proceed at the time," said Frasier.

But authorities say with a fresh look at old evidence and several key witnesses coming forward, they were able to gather that needed evidence to put this man in jail.

"It's been a rewarding day, taking a case that's 10 years old and seeing the conclusion we had today, that's what police work is all about," said Mark Dannels, Coquille Police Department.

Leah's mother Cory Courtwright says she's grateful for something she describes as worth the wait.

"He was out there free to live his life, breathe our air, have children, all the things that were taken from Leah," she said.

For Leah's mother, the worst part might be the person that police arrested.  Courtwright says she suspected it could have been McGuffin all along and it pains to know all this time he's lived free just down the street.

"I think I've done what any mother in this situation would do, and I love her and I miss her and I'll do what I have to do to get her justice," she said.

Authorities say if McGuffin is convicted of murder,  he could spend the rest of his life in prison. But the road to that form of closure for the family in a trial is still a long while off.