TOLEDO, OH (Toledo News Now) - The death penalty has been taken off the table in the case of Samuel Williams. Williams was convicted last Friday of murdering Johnny Clarke and Lisa Straub in January of 2011.
The jury that found Williams guilty on two counts of aggravated murder, two counts of kidnapping, and one count of aggravated burglary was dismissed Monday after they told the judge they could not reach a unanimous decision on sentencing.
By law, Judge Dean Mandros will now determine Williams' punishment, but does not have the option of sentencing Williams to death as a jury could have.
Mandros will announce his decision on Aug. 10. He has three options: life in prison without parole, life in prison without parole for 30 years and life in prison without parole for 25 years.
Defense Attorney Jerome Phillips says the judge has some work to do before he can decide on a sentence.
"The judge is requesting a report, a presentencing report, as to background factors from this individual, also input from the victims' families as to what penalty they think is appropriate, and how this crime has affected them. And so it's really an informational gathering time," explained
Phillips says he is not surprised the jury could not come to an agreement because this is one of the first cases he has seen where the prosecution has asked for the death penalty without having overwhelming evidence that the defendant is guilty.
Friends of Williams say they are happy to hear he will not be put to death, even though he may spend the rest of his life in prison.
"Family and friends will visit him, write him. We will still be able to hear his voice. Phone calls. It's a relief, definitely," Salina Sosbe, a friend of Williams.
Johnny Clarke's mother, Maytee Vazquez-Clarke, feels differently about the development, saying of Williams "you are the vilest, sickest, I can't even call you human. You are a monster and you are a disgrace to the human race. And you don't deserve the right to human life or to even breathe."
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- Friends, forensic expert testify in Clarke-Straub murder trials
- Evidence presented in Clarke-Straub murder trials
- Trial begins for second suspect in Clarke-Straub murders
- Opening statements begin in Springfield Twp. double murder case
- Death penalty specification dropped in murder suspect's trial
- Blade: Expert questions mental capacity of Springfield Twp. murder suspect
- Suspect in Clarke-Straub murders back in court
- Blade: Springfield Twp. murder suspect requests new judge
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