Jury Decides Death Penalty In Triple Murder Trial
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- A Westmoreland County jury has decided Kevin Murphy will get the death penalty.
The Saltsburg man was convicted last week of killing his mother, sister and aunt in April 2009.
"The people who loved the defendant the most- his mother, sister and aunt- are the people he killed," said District Attorney John Peck. "The people he should have cherished the most."
Prosecutors did not present any evidence beyond an opening and closing argument. Peck told the jury that the fact that Murphy killed three people makes him worthy of the death penalty.
Defense attorneys say Murphy's lack of a criminal record, age and good character should be reasons to spare his life.
"Death should be reserved for career criminals," defense attorney Bob Bell told the jury. "What caused April 23- I don't know. It happened. But Kevin Murphy is not a career criminal."
Several friends and family members took the stand on Murphy's behalf.
Jurors got the case around 2:30 p.m. this afternoon.
Stay with KDKA for more information.
RELATED LINKS
More On This Story
More Local News
More Westmoreland County News
