USA - Pennsylvania. A jury sentenced Michael Eric Ballard, 37, white, to 4 death sentences

A Northampton County jury sentenced Michael Eric Ballard, 37, white, to four death sentences. He pleaded guilty last month to the 1991 stabbing deaths of 39-year-old Denise Merhi, ex-girlfriend; her father, 62-year-old Dennis Marsh; her grandfather, 87-year-old Alvin Marsh Jr.; and 53-year-old neighbor Steve Zernhelt who heard their screams and rushed to help them. After the verdict was announced, Judge Edward G. Smith formally sentenced Ballard to die.