USA - California. Judge Christian Thierbach sentenced Kesaun Sykes to death

Superior Court Judge Christian Thierbach sentenced Kesaun Sykes to death after jurors recommended on Aug. 21 (see) that he receive the death penalty. Sykes, 27 is 2 of 3 former Marines sentenced to death for the murders of Marine Corps Sgt. Jan Pietrzak and Quiana Jenkins-Pietrzak. A 4th was sentenced to life in prison without parole. Authorities say Sykes, Kevin Cox, Emrys John and Tyrone Miller went to the couple's home in October 2008 to rob them and forced their way inside. Pietrzak was assaulted and his wife sexually assaulted before they were killed. Deputy District Attorney Daniel DeLimon said Sykes participated in the sexual assault and began trying to set fire to the home before the couple were killed. Sykes' lawyer, Doug Myers, said he recognizes the loss and pain suffered by the victims' loved ones, but Sykes did not deserve the death sentence, adding that his client was outside the home when the killings occurred. "A death sentence for Kesaun, who was not the actual killer, who did not direct the killings, and who was exposed to such awful abuse and neglect throughout most of his life, was not warranted," Myers said.