07-30-2012, 01:15 PM
Jury mulls death penalty for Springfield Twp. murderer
by Elizabeth Reed
UPDATE: Family members of the convicted killer of a Springfield Township couple will testify Monday to save him from the death penalty.
Samuel Williams' mother testified first, telling the jury about her son's experience growing up with her long history of alcohol and drug abuse and surrounded by multiple husbands that assaulted her.
The jury is weighing a sentence of 20 years in prison, 30 years in prison, life in prison without parole or the death penalty.
At least three more family members will testify during the mitigation phase of the trial. The prosecution will not call any further witnesses to testify.
ORIGINAL REPORT: The man found guilty of murdering a Springfield Township couple in 2011 will learn whether or not he faces the death penalty on Monday.
Samuel Williams, 24, was convicted of two counts of aggravated murder, two counts of kidnapping and one count of aggravated burglary in the deaths of 20-year-old Lisa Straub and 21-year-old Johnny Clarke.
Jurors will hear additional testimony Monday and decide whether to impose the death penalty.
The second suspect in the murder, 23-year-old Cameo Pettaway, was acquitted on Thursday.
by Elizabeth Reed
UPDATE: Family members of the convicted killer of a Springfield Township couple will testify Monday to save him from the death penalty.
Samuel Williams' mother testified first, telling the jury about her son's experience growing up with her long history of alcohol and drug abuse and surrounded by multiple husbands that assaulted her.
The jury is weighing a sentence of 20 years in prison, 30 years in prison, life in prison without parole or the death penalty.
At least three more family members will testify during the mitigation phase of the trial. The prosecution will not call any further witnesses to testify.
ORIGINAL REPORT: The man found guilty of murdering a Springfield Township couple in 2011 will learn whether or not he faces the death penalty on Monday.
Samuel Williams, 24, was convicted of two counts of aggravated murder, two counts of kidnapping and one count of aggravated burglary in the deaths of 20-year-old Lisa Straub and 21-year-old Johnny Clarke.
Jurors will hear additional testimony Monday and decide whether to impose the death penalty.
The second suspect in the murder, 23-year-old Cameo Pettaway, was acquitted on Thursday.