Post by SoulTrainOz on Jul 2, 2006 1:13:04 GMT -5
By GINGER GIBSON
The News Journal
07/01/2006
DOVER -- A Superior Court jury unanimously recommended Friday that convicted killer Ambrose Sykes be sentenced to death for the murder and rape of 68-year-old Virginia Trimnell in 2004.
The same jury found Sykes, 33, guilty Tuesday after 30 minutes of deliberations. Friday's decision came after less than two hours of deliberation. No family members or friends of Trimnell or Sykes were present when the decision was read.
Sykes did not make a statement during the two-day penalty phase of his trial.
The jury's vote is a recommendation, although law requires the judge to consider it seriously. Final sentencing will be handed down by Kent County Superior Court Judge William L. Witham Jr. at a later date.
There is still an undecided motion from the defense for a new trial that will also be considered by the judge at a later date.
"It's the verdict we wanted and asked for," Deputy Attorney General Stephen Welch said. "We were pleased with the verdict."
Deputy Attorney General David Favata said the decision sent a message from the community about such crimes.
Defense attorney Thomas Donovan said Sykes' family and girlfriend, who were unable to return to the courthouse before the decision was read, are upset about the recommendation.
"This whole trial process is just the first step in a long legal process," said Donovan, who said his client plans to appeal the verdict. "Ultimately, we think Ambrose will get another day in court."
Jurors heard Friday from family and friends of the victim and of Sykes on Thursday and Friday. They were then asked to decide if Sykes should receive the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of release.
On Thursday, family and friends of Virginia Trimnell told jurors she was a loving grandmother, patron of the arts and an active volunteer.
Her daughter, Liesl Trimnell, said she was saddened by the fact that her son and nieces would never know their grandmother.
Sykes' sisters, mother and girlfriend testified Friday about his childhood, adult life and son Alex, 11.
Jenny St. Jean, Sykes' girlfriend of 13 years and Alex's mother, said Sykes was devoted to his son.
As St. Jean testified, Sykes held his head in his hand, sniffled and wiped his eyes.
St. Jean said if Sykes were sentenced to death, it could cause psychological problems for her and her son. She asked the jury to spare his life, so he could continue to fill the role of father for his son.
Debora Sykes, his mother, testified last for the defense. She told jurors her son had a difficult childhood. She said when Ambrose Sykes went to live with his father for two years at age 14, he was forced to grow up too quickly.
Sykes was accused of binding Trimnell's hands and feet, gagging her, raping her, strangling her with a scarf, stuffing her body into a suitcase and then driving her car for two days with her body in the trunk.
Source: www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060701/NEWS/607010325/-1/NEWS01
The News Journal
07/01/2006
DOVER -- A Superior Court jury unanimously recommended Friday that convicted killer Ambrose Sykes be sentenced to death for the murder and rape of 68-year-old Virginia Trimnell in 2004.
The same jury found Sykes, 33, guilty Tuesday after 30 minutes of deliberations. Friday's decision came after less than two hours of deliberation. No family members or friends of Trimnell or Sykes were present when the decision was read.
Sykes did not make a statement during the two-day penalty phase of his trial.
The jury's vote is a recommendation, although law requires the judge to consider it seriously. Final sentencing will be handed down by Kent County Superior Court Judge William L. Witham Jr. at a later date.
There is still an undecided motion from the defense for a new trial that will also be considered by the judge at a later date.
"It's the verdict we wanted and asked for," Deputy Attorney General Stephen Welch said. "We were pleased with the verdict."
Deputy Attorney General David Favata said the decision sent a message from the community about such crimes.
Defense attorney Thomas Donovan said Sykes' family and girlfriend, who were unable to return to the courthouse before the decision was read, are upset about the recommendation.
"This whole trial process is just the first step in a long legal process," said Donovan, who said his client plans to appeal the verdict. "Ultimately, we think Ambrose will get another day in court."
Jurors heard Friday from family and friends of the victim and of Sykes on Thursday and Friday. They were then asked to decide if Sykes should receive the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of release.
On Thursday, family and friends of Virginia Trimnell told jurors she was a loving grandmother, patron of the arts and an active volunteer.
Her daughter, Liesl Trimnell, said she was saddened by the fact that her son and nieces would never know their grandmother.
Sykes' sisters, mother and girlfriend testified Friday about his childhood, adult life and son Alex, 11.
Jenny St. Jean, Sykes' girlfriend of 13 years and Alex's mother, said Sykes was devoted to his son.
As St. Jean testified, Sykes held his head in his hand, sniffled and wiped his eyes.
St. Jean said if Sykes were sentenced to death, it could cause psychological problems for her and her son. She asked the jury to spare his life, so he could continue to fill the role of father for his son.
Debora Sykes, his mother, testified last for the defense. She told jurors her son had a difficult childhood. She said when Ambrose Sykes went to live with his father for two years at age 14, he was forced to grow up too quickly.
Sykes was accused of binding Trimnell's hands and feet, gagging her, raping her, strangling her with a scarf, stuffing her body into a suitcase and then driving her car for two days with her body in the trunk.
Source: www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060701/NEWS/607010325/-1/NEWS01