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Jury Recommends Life In Prison Without Parole For Russell Tillis

Russell Tillis
News4Jax
Russell Tillis

A jury of 12 men and women have recommended a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole for Russell Tillis, the man convicted in the murder and dismemberment of Joni Gunter.

WJCT News partner News4Jax reported before the decision on Thursday was made, prosecutors argued that Tillis, 59, has a long history of victimizing women and therefore deserved to go to Death Row.

Tillis’ defense argued that he had a violent and traumatic childhood, deserves mercy, and should be given life without parole.

The jury, who convicted Tillis last week of first-degree murder, kidnapping and dismemberment in Gunter’s death, heard what was basically a miniature trial before being asked to recommend whether Tillis should be put to death for the crime or face a mandatory sentence of life in prison.

The rest of this story, which includes a video report, is at News4Jax.com.