Judge sentences Morris to life in prison for double slaying
COQUILLE, Ore. - Gabe Morris will spend the rest of his life behind bars for the murders of his mother and her boyfriend last year in Bandon.
Morris waived his right to a jury trial, leaving his fate in the hands of Coos County Judge Martin Stone.
After closing arguments finished in Coquille on Tuesday morning, court recessed until 2 p.m.
Stone found Morris guilty of two counts of aggravated murder for the shooting deaths of Robin Anstey and Robert Kennelly in their Bandon home on Feb. 8, 2010.
Stone said he had no doubt that Morris was the shooter and, in handing down two consecutive life sentences without parole, said that Morris' actions before, during and after the shootings indicated he was in control and not insane.
Defense attorneys had sought to convince the court Morris was delusional at the time of the killings.
Morris had the chance to address the court, thanking family members who came to his defense and took the stand during the trial.
He also told the court that he hopes the prison system will be able to rehabilitate him.