SEATTLE — Quick Facts:
- Joseph McEnroe convicted of 6 counts of aggravated murder
- Same jury who convicted him will decide punishment
- Penalty phase began Tuesday
- He will be sentenced to death or life in prison
Joseph McEnroe, the man convicted of killing six members of a Carnation family, took the stand in the penalty phase of his trial Thursday.
The phase of the trial to determine whether he should be sentenced to death or life in prison began Tuesday.
McEnroe was convicted of six counts of aggravated first-degree murder last week. The same jury who convicted him will determine his punishment.
Prosecutors say McEnroe and his former girlfriend, Michele Anderson, shot and killed six members of Anderson's family on Christmas Eve 2007.
While testifying to in hopes to avoid execution, a soft-spoken McEnroe said, "There is no question I did these awful things. I thought I had to." He went on to talk about his childhood.
"The main beef I had was alienation," McEnroe said while talking about his past. He talked about his "spirit guide," named Crow, who he described as his guardian angel.
At one point he became giddy and began to laugh.
"I'm so sorry, people," he said during the incident.
McEnroe appeared to be awkward, nervous and displayed an odd sense of humor, at times making uncomfortable comments. His attorney struggled to keep him on track.
"The reason I take so much medication? So I can live with myself," McEnroe said as he was questioned about the murders.
There is currently a moratorium on executions while Gov. Jay Inslee is in office.
McEnroe did not take the stand during his murder trial. He is expected to be cross-examined by prosecutors when the case continues.
KIRO
