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After the announcement, the presiding judge thanked the jurors for their service and dedication over the last two weeks—a period characterized by emotional strain and legal complexities. Their deliberation lasted between seven and eight hours, and the quick resolution was a relief to many courtroom observers.
Sentencing Discussions
Following the verdict, the discussion pivoted to the sentencing phase. The defense requested that sentencing be deferred to allow further mitigation considerations. However, the prosecution opposed this request, urging the court to proceed quickly with sentencing. The judge granted a brief 15-minute recess for both sides to prepare their sentencing sheets, indicating that the court was keen to maintain momentum despite the emotional weight of the case.