Apologies from Kevin and Glenda Thurber, parents of convicted murderer Justin Thurber, capped a Monday morning of emotional testimony from family members asking that Thurber be spared the death penalty.
Glenda Thurber took the stand just before her husband and offered a tearful apology to Brian and Cindy Sanderholm, who sat in the front row of the courtroom at the Cowley County Courthouse in Winfield.
"I’m so very sorry for the loss of your daughter," she said. "I can’t imagine what you’re going through."
Kevin Thurber offered similar remarks in his time on the witness stand and said he was sorry for what had happened to Jodi Sanderholm. Justin Thurber, 25, was convicted last week of capital murder and aggravated kidnapping in the death of Jodi Sanderholm on Jan. 5, 2007.
"If I could bring her back I would," Kevin Thurber said.
Jurors were back in the courtroom on President’s Day to hear testimony before deciding whether Justin Thurber will get a death sentence or life in prison without parole.
Former schoolmates, family friends and Justin Thurber’s family told of problems he had fitting in at school. Both his parents and a mental health professional said Justin Thurber was bi-polar and needed medication.
Glenda Thurber said it was harder to know if Justin took his medication once he was in his early 20s and had moved out on his own. She said her son wanted to admit to his crimes but prosecutors would not accept a plea agreement.
Kevin Thurber said the family was the first to suggest that Justin Thurber see a doctor when he showed signs of having issues.
His family said the man convicted of killing Jodi Sanderholm was not the person they knew at home. Glenda Thurber made a plea to jurors to spare her son’s life.
"Putting my son to death won’t bring her back," she said. "My son needs help."
"I want you guys to look deep in your hearts."
Court was to reconvene at 1 p.m for closing statements in the penalty phase of the trial. Deliberations will begin after that.