May 23, 2013
Jurors convicted 50-year-old Jerry Hammond for the third time Thursday for the 1988 murder and robbery of his elderly uncle.
His two earlier death sentences were reversed on appeal. But on Friday, the jury recommended life without parole on an 11-1 vote.
Hammond's lawyers said he should be spared execution, telling the jury that Hammond's has been a model prisoner and was under the influence of an illegal drug at the time his uncle was slain.
But District Attorney Doug Valeska argued for the death penalty, saying the murder happened during an armed robbery.
Houston County Circuit Judge Jerry White will decide later whether to side with the jury or choose the death penalty.
Sentencing will be Dec. 19.
