John Couey is guilty of first-degree murder, kidnapping, burglary and sexual battery of a minor.
Couey fidgeted as the verdict was read, pressing his fingers, a few at a time, against the table, but registered no facial expression in response to the news. Mark Lunsford wiped away tears with a tissue.
Judge Ric Howard said the sentencing process will start on Tuesday, during which the jurors will determine whether they think Couey should live or die. Jurors can choose to be semi-sequestered until that time. But on Tuesday they will have to go back to full sequestration.
Couey was fingerprinted, sheepishly, in front of Judge Howard, and wiped ink off his hands with wadded paper towels.
-- Elena Lesley
Follow the latest developments in the murder trial of John Couey as compiled and reported by the staff of the St. Petersburg Times and tampabay.com.
Let him swing like Saddam
Posted by: trev | March 18, 2007 at 08:17 PM
I vote death sentence for sicko Couey, the sooner the better.
Posted by: Brenda | March 08, 2007 at 01:44 AM
Couey showed no remorse, because he is not remorseful. He is an illiterate braggart sicko child molester, and killer.
He will never be on the streets again, this time Justice prevails.
Posted by: Brenda | March 08, 2007 at 01:09 AM
Well I would say that I hope he is sentenced to death and the sentence is carried out quickly. But I think this man's crime is so horrible that I am trying to think what could be worse than death? Whatever it is that is what we should do to Couey.
Posted by: bill | March 07, 2007 at 08:18 PM
Mark Lunsford will have to live the rest of this life without his beautiful daughter. But for John Couey his end is coming, one way or another. Couey knew what he did was wrong, and now he will have to pay for his misdeeds. GOD BLESS Mark and Jessica Lunsford.
Posted by: Eileen | March 07, 2007 at 04:52 PM
I hope this verdict finally provides some closure for the Lunsford family. The next thing to hope for is a death penalty sentence. Men like Mr. Couey lead lonely and isolated lives in prison. I don't think anyone would shed a tear if the inmates wherever he ends up go ahead and deliver the death penalty sentence before the state has a chance to delay it for years and years.
Posted by: Josh | March 07, 2007 at 04:22 PM
Finally justice for the Lunsford's. John Coey deserves the death penalty, and the next phase will make it so.
God Bless Jessica
Posted by: steve | March 07, 2007 at 04:21 PM
I clap my hands to the Jurors.
Posted by: Beth | March 07, 2007 at 04:14 PM