Vernon L. Spence received the maximum possible penalty – three life sentences, plus 53 years – by a Franklin County judge on Tuesday, after being convicted for a 2003 campus-area triple murder.
The judges decision came after the jury deadlocked Saturday, unable to reach an agreement whether to sentence the convicted killer to death.
Eight jurors favored the death penalty, three opposed it and one was undecided in sentencing the 31-year-old Spence, said Judge Dale Crawford.
In the days before the jury’s deliberations, friends and members of Spence’s family spoke on his behalf. Spence’s aunt, grandmother, former basketball coach, mother and 11-year-old daughter testified about Spence’s upbringing and their desire to continue to have a relationship with him.
From the witness stand, Anita Roman, the mother of Spence’s children, addressed the families of the victims, who were watching in the courtroom.
“There is nothing we can do to bring your daughter and your sons back,” Roman said. “But my kids are innocent.”
Roman also testified about the history of domestic abuse between her and Spence.
James Sullunger Sr., Spence’s former basketball coach, testified Thursday that Spence was “like a son” to him.
“He was a young man that wanted to please,” Sullunger said. “He would do anything in the world for you.”
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney James Lowe said though he seeks the death penalty in every capital case, his main concern was Spence was found guilty.
“Jurors in Franklin County don’t return death very often,” said Lowe. “I don’t think (the families of the victims) were shocked when it came back deadlocked.”
“The guy had a good family,” Lowe said. “Jurors took that into account and they found that important.”
Lowe said he and his team tried to prepare the families of the victims for the possibility of a deadlocked jury.
Rufus Hurst, father of victim Kayla Hurst, who was an Ohio State student, told The Columbus Dispatch Saturday, “I believe we received justice and I’m hoping for some closure.”
Rufus said his daughter was “a very beautiful person.”
“She loved Ohio State and she loved her community,” Rufus said. “She refused to believe anyone wanted to harm her.”
Kayla Hurst, her boyfriend Aaron Grexa and his roommate Eric Hlass were killed on July 22, 2003. All three were shot by Spence at point-blank range in an apartment on East 11th Avenue.
According to testimony, the killings were the result of a drug robbery gone awry. Co-defendant Todd Bensonhaver, who was present for the robbery, testified that Spence killed the three because they could identify him.
