9 days after a jury convicted Leslie Pipersburgh and Patrick Robateau of murdering four people and almost killing a fifth person - a judge today sentenced the two mass murderers to death by hanging.
It was a dramatic end to a dramatic legal drama as Justice Troadio John Gonzalez handed down the death sentence this morning in Supreme Court room number 2 where it was standing room only. Our Keith Swift was there and here is the story.
Keith Swift Reporting,
In court today Leslie Pipersburgh and Patrick Robateau fought but in the end they lost the battle to save their necks.
Leslie Pipersburgh who rose only once to defiantly protest his innocence was later on the verge of tears as his mother-in-law Jherrilyn Flowers begged for mercy on his behalf. These are the words she told the court, which brought Pipersburgh to near tears.
Jherrilyn Flowers, Pipersburgh's Mother-in-law
"I said he is one of the best son-in-laws and he will always be."
Pipersburgh's attorney described his client, who turns 30 years old next month as "quiet and extremely helpful." Lastly Willis said his client accepts the verdict and is sorry for all the pain he caused and he can't "over-emphasize remorse."
Then when Patrick Robateau rose he didn't beg for mercy but rather he vowed to appeal saying the police violated his rights.
Next to speak was his uncle Leonardo Pott Sr., who was a father figure to him. Patrick looked straight ahead as his uncle didn't beg the court for mercy but proudly said the family was shocked.
In his address, Attorney Linsbert Willis told the court that Robateau joined the BDF in 1995 and rose to the rank of Lance Corporal. Willis said his client was remorseful and sorry after which Patrick frowned to his show his disagreement with the statement. Willis added that Patrick has four children - the oldest 7 years old and the youngest just 1 year old.
Justice Gonzalez then retreated to his chambers to weigh those matters. As those of us inside the court waited nervously, a large crowd gathered outside. Then half hour later the judge returned - after calling the crimes heinous and without rhyme or reason he asked "The Good Lord" to have mercy on their souls as he sentenced them to death…by hanging.
Patrick Robateau and Leslie Pipersburgh left the courtroom separately. First it was Pipersburgh fully guard and then quickly behind was Robateau. Both though are to die together and the only family member to speak had this to say.
Keith Swift,
"How is the family dealing with this?"
Jherrilyn Flowers,
"We are coping."
Keith Swift,
"Coping?"
Jherrilyn Flowers,
"Yes." (Walks off)
For the attempted murder of KHB security guard John Ventura, Pipersburgh and Robateau were each sentenced to an additional 20 years in jail. They were convicted of murdering KBH security guards Fidel Mai and Kevin Alvarez along with Cherry Tucker and David Flores all on the night of June 18th 2002.
A jury sat through a six week long trial and last Monday after less than two hours of deliberations brought back the verdicts of guilty on all counts. Both defendants publicly indicated they would appeal though their current attorney Linsbert Willis has said it is unlikely he will continue to represent them.
And for those of you who voted in our online poll, most of you agreed with Justice Gonzalez's decision - out of the close to three hundred votes received, 83% said they should be hanged while another 17% said the state doesn't have the right to take a life.
Leslie Pipersburgh and Patrick Robateau now join 8 other inmates currently waiting hanging bringing the total in the death row section to 10. Included are convicted murderers Wilfred Lauriano and Adolph Harris who have been awaiting death since 1994 and 1995 respectively and because of the time that has elapsed, it is now highly unlikely they will ever be hanged.