(MOBILE, Ala.) March 20 - A jury has recommended the death penalty for convicted child-killer Lam Luong. It is now up to Judge Charles Graddick to decide if Luong will live or die.
Thursday, it took the jury just 42 minutes to convict Luong of killing Ryan, Hannah, Lindsey and Danny. On Friday, the jury only deliberated for about 45 minutes. When they came back to the courtroom, they unanimously recommended that Luong receive the death penalty, something the family was relieved to hear.
Kieu Phan clung to her family and friends, as the moment she's been waiting for, finally came. All 12 jurors believed Luong should be put to death for killing her four children. She left the courtroom feeling a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. Family member Kam Thengsisomboun told us, "The family is happy with it and with the result. It's what we wanted, he gets what he wanted, and he gets what he deserves." Just moments earlier, Lam Luong had stood emotionless as the jury's recommendation was read. The family reacted, "Coldhearted, I guess."
In final arguments, the prosecution showed pictures of the children's bodies, and talked about how Luong said his kids were scared of the water. Prosecutors said that's exactly why he threw them off the Dauphin Island bridge, and into the icy waters below. The defense told the jury life in prison without parole might be a harsher penalty, than death. The jury did not agree. District Attorney John Tyson, Jr. says this was the ultimate domestic violence case. "Tonight, we need to reflect on what's happened, and we need to come together as a community, and do something about this problem. I don't know about you, but I don't want to go through this, again."
Judge Charles Graddick will make the final decision on whether Luong lives or dies, but before then, the family will hold a ceremony for the 4 children whose lives were stolen by their father. "If you think well of them, come and give them a hug and tell them you think well of them."
