UPDATE: 10:25 a.m. – Jurors have proposed a sentence of death for Justin Thurber in the murder of Jodi Sanderholm.
"He got the right punishment for what he did to Jodi," Cindy Sanderholm, the victim’s mother said.
Jurors deliberated for about two and a half hours Monday before returning for just over an hour Tuesday. Judge Jim Pringle polled each juror and asked them to verbally confirm their support of the verdict.
The jury’s finding is mostly a recommendation to Pringle, who will officially sentence Thurber March 20 at 9 a.m. Pringle could go against the jury’s decision but no judge in Kansas has.
A death penalty decision must be unanimous. Jurors exited out the back of the courthouse in Winfield without comment.
Kansas Attorney General Steve Six commented on the verdict just after it was announced.
"The jury’s verdict brings justice to the community, but it is still a sad day because it does not bring Jodi back. Jodi had a promising future and a whole life ahead of her that will not be realized. My family will continue to pray for the Sanderholm family and I ask all Kansans to do the same.
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UPDATE: 4:25 p.m.- Some jurors have asked to sleep on the penalty decision.
Jurors were dismissed at 4:37 p.m. and told to return at 9 a.m. Tuesday to resume deliberations. Justin Thurber can get the death penalty or life in prison without parole.
One juror asked if it is possible to look up information on the death penalty. Judge Jim Pringle sent them a ruling saying they must only consider facts presented in the case and instructions given in court.
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Jurors were led from the courtroom around 2 p.m. Monday to begin deliberating in the penalty phase of the capital murder trial of Justin Thurber.
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