SEATTLE, Wash. — After one and a half days of deliberation, a jury convicted Joe McEnroe of murdering six of his girlfriend's family members in Carnation on Christmas Eve 2007.
The jury found McEnroe guilty of six counts of aggravated first-degree murder for killing Wayne and Judy Anderson, Scott and Erica Anderson and their young children Olivia, 5, and Nathan, 3.
Family members of the victims hugged and cried as the verdict was read. McEnroe showed no reaction, he kept taking notes.
Pam Mantle's daughter and grandchildren were murdered by McEnroe. "I just needed to hear someone say guilty," said Mantle after court.
She said the murders still seem unreal. "Did he really do this? Could somebody really shoot my daughter six times, my little daughter? My granddaughter?" said Mantle.
When asked if she will ever find peace, Mantle answered, "I don't think I ever will. There's too much gone, too much missing."
The same jury will decide McEnroe's sentence.
A conviction for aggravated first-degree murder carries a punishment of life in prison or the death penalty.
Gov. Jay Inslee imposed a moratorium on executions while he is in office.
During the penalty phase the prosecution will encourage the jury to sentence McEnroe, 36, to death.
The sentencing phase for Joseph McEnroe starts Tuesday and could last three weeks.
Pam Mantle says her daughter, Erica, and son-in-law, Scott Anderson, supported the death penalty.
Her husband's response," I don't really care. I know the rest of his life is going to be miserable and that's going to be good enough," said Tony Mantle.
The trial lasted more than two months. Jurors heard from 43 prosecution witnesses and three defense witnesses.
During his trial, prosecutors played Joe McEnroe's taped confession in which he admitted to murdering six members of his girlfriend's family.
Prosecutors said the murders were premeditated.
McEnroe's defense team said he was guilty of second-degree murder, not first, saying he was not capable of premeditation because he suffers from diminished mental capacity.
The defense claimed McEnroe was under the control of his girlfriend, Michele Anderson.
Michele Anderson's trial is set for next fall.
KIRO
