Jurors today spared the life of Washington sniper Lee Malvo (18) after deliberating less than nine hours on options that included the death penalty for two counts of capital murder.
Malvo, who the same jury convicted last week of the murder of FBI analyst Linda Franklin (47) as part of a string of random shootings in and around the US capital last year, sat with one arm resting on the defense table and the other hand covering his mouth as a court official read the sentences.
Defense lawyer Mr Craig Cooley patted Malvo on the back after the sentences of life in jail were read out. Malvo was also fined a total of $200,000. Judge Jane Roush set the formal sentencing date for March 10, 2004.
A different jury last month recommended death for Malvo's adult accomplice, John Muhammad (42) who was convicted of another murder in the series of shootings.
With the Christmas holiday just days away, Mr Cooley had appealed to the jury in closing arguments yesterday to bring the spirit of the season, traditionally meant to be a time of generosity and charity, into their deliberations.
Mr Cooley quoted the words of popular Christmas carol "Silent Night" to tell jurors that "redeeming grace" would come to Malvo despite the gravity of his crimes.
His hand on Malvo's shoulder, Ms Cooley urged the jury to spare the life of "this child," who he said had been led terribly astray by Muhammad whom he trusted as a father figure.
Mr Vijay Walekar, the brother of one of the 10 Washington area sniper victims, told reporters afterwards he was "not at all pleased" with the outcome.
"I wish he would have gotten the death sentence," Mr Walekar said. "We go through the pain and suffering every day."
Jury foreman James Wolfcale, a 41-year-old minister, read a short statement expressing sympathy for the victims' families. "We the jury wish to extend a heartfelt sympathy to the victims' families and friends," it said.
Mr Cooley said he accepted that several families of the victims might be angry with him and his colleagues on the defense team.