MINOT, ND (KXNET) — The Sand Law Firm, which successfully defended Nichole Rice on murder charges and generated controversy over the way its lawyers reacted as the verdict in the case was read, issued a brief response Tuesday afternoon on its Facebook page. "Our team has been working tirelessly for three years to prepare for this trial," the statement began. "During that time, we became extremely close to our client's family. What the courtroom cameras didn’t see were our daily group prayers alongside our client's family, emotional conversations, and our team standing by as our client and her daughter said their goodbyes prior to the verdict being read. Justice would not have been served by convicting the wrong person. "When the verdict was read, we reacted emotionally. We sincerely apologize to anyone who was offended, especially to Anita Knutson’s family. The loss of Anita is heartbreaking and we in no way intended disrespect." Nichole Rice was accused of murdering Anita Knutson in 2007 in the Minot apartment the two women shared. After an eight-day trial in late March, the jury found Rice not guilty. When the verdict was announced, the defense attorneys shouted in jubilation and started hugging Rice family and friends in the courtroom audience while the rest of the verdict form was still being read, much to the dismay of Anita Knutson family and friends sitting nearby in the courtroom. The noisy courtroom celebration angered many of those who watched the trial live through streaming video, with some commenting on social media they felt it was unprofessional and insensitive to the Anita Knutson family. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW ...read more read less