Dalton --- Lynn Turner, painted by prosecutors as a classic black widow who lured two law enforcement officers into her life, then killed them for their money by poisoning them with antifreeze, was spared the death penalty Tuesday.
After nearly five hours of deliberating her fate, the same jury that convicted her three days earlier of the murder of Randy Thompson, a former deputy sheriff in Forsyth County and the father of her two children, sentenced her to life in prison with no chance of parole.
As the forewoman read the jury's decision at 11:03 a.m., the victims' family members expressed little emotion in this northwest Georgia courtroom, where Lynn Turner's mother and supporters sat only feet from Thompson's parents and sisters and her late husband's family.
Turner, 38, of Cumming, dressed in a red sweater and with her hands shackled, stood and bowed her head. Her attorneys patted each other's backs in relief.
"Thank God, " said Victor Reynolds, who represented Turner with Jimmy Berry.
Still, Turner's attorneys said they would appeal the sentence.
Forsyth District Attorney Penny Penn said she thought Turner deserved death.
"But I am also very satisfied with life without parole, " Penn said. "This conviction is a vindication for [the Thompsons]. That was what's important --- that she was held accountable. And she's never going to be able to get out to do this to anybody else."
The case was brought by prosecutors in Forsyth County, where Randy Thompson died. It was heard by a jury in northwest Georgia's Whitfield County after a judge decided he could not find an impartial jury in Cumming.
Forsyth Chief Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Bagley said Turner would be transferred back to the Whitfield County Jail in Dalton until the state takes custody. She will serve out her sentence at one of three state prisons for women: Metro State Prison in Atlanta, Arrendale State Prison in Alto or Pulaski State Prison in Hawkinsville.
They said it
"I thought that she deserved the death penalty. But I am also very satisfied with life without parole. This conviction is a vindication for [the Thompsons]. That was what's important --- that she was held accountable. And she's never going to be able to get out to do this to anybody else."
Penny Penn, Forsyth County district attorney, following sentencing last week.
"She is a very evil person to take the life of two young, adult, healthy men."
Phyllis Thompson, a juror, after the sentencing last week.
"She was placed in my arms at five days. She's been in my heart ever since."
Helen Gregory, mother of Lynn Turner, testifying for the defense during this trial.
"It's a hard decision. It's another human being, so you can't be not compassionate for the person, regardless of the crime. I feel like justice was done."
Raymond Holland, a juror, after the sentencing last week.
"I thought it was kind of strange. She had no emotions, no tears. And it was a very emotional funeral."
Tara Kirby, friend of firefighter Randy Thompson, in testimony about Lynn Turner's reaction at Thompson's funeral.
"No, sir, I do not choose to testify."
Lynn Turner, when asked by Forsyth Superior Court Judge Jeffrey S. Bagley if she wanted to take the stand last week.
