Dale Hausner
Live from the courtroom: Serial Shooter Dale Hausner, who killed at least six people and wounded many more, was sentenced today in downtown Phoenix to the ultimate penalty: death.
Hausner remained still and unemotional as the courtroom clerk read the jury’s decision about what his punishment should be. And he stood even stiller yet, flanked by his attorneys, as the judge handed down the official sentence moments later. The only comment he made was to thank the judge after he received death times six. “Thank you, your honor.”
A deputy then placed pink handcuffs on his wrists and escorted him past the jury, out of the courtroom.
Hausner was convicted March 13 of six murders and 74 other crimes in a killing spree that stretched more than a year. The killings typically took place at night, with Hausner usually targeting people walking or bicylcing by themselves on Valley streets. A number of animals were also killed or maimed in the shooting spree.
It took the jury more than two weeks to decide Hausner’s guilt on the 80 crimes. They also acquitted him on six other crimes, including two murders.
The trial lasted seven months, beginning back in early September 2008 with jury selection. In all, more than 150 witnesses were called and 1,100 pieces of evidence presented.
Judge Roland Steinle is scheduled to sentence Hausner for his remaining convictions on Monday.