in Jacksonville, Judge Michael R. Weatherby sentenced Michael James Jackson...

in Jacksonville, Judge Michael R. Weatherby  sentenced Michael James Jackson, 25, to death in the kidnapping and slayings of a couple who were buried alive. Jackson was convicted (see May 30) of 1st-degree murder, robbery and kidnapping but said he only planned the robbery and did not participate in the slayings of James and Carol Sumner on July 8, 2005. Jackson told authorities he saw the couple being buried alive and heard Carol Sumner moaning inside the pre-dug grave. He said he did not try to stop the slayings because he was afraid he would be next. The Sumners were both 61. 3 others were also charged in the case. One of them, Bruce Kent Nixon, 19, pleaded guilty to 2nd-degree murder, robbery and kidnapping after leading police to the bodies. He agreed to testify against Jackson and two others.