Montez Spradley, 25, was sentenced to death today.

Montez Spradley, 25, was sentenced to death today. Jefferson County Circuit Judge Gloria Bahakel today overrode the jury's recommendation of life without parole when she imposed the death sentence today after a brief hearing. In February the jury voted, 10-2, to recommend the lesser sentence. Jury sentencing recommendations in Alabama are not binding on the trial judge. Spradley was convicted Feb. 29 of capital murder during the Jan. 9, 2004, robbery of Marlene Jason, 58.