Jared Loughner was sentenced to seven consecutive life terms plus 140 years, without the possibility of parole. Loughner pleaded guilty to the January 2011 attempted assassination of Gabrielle Giffords. The shooting took place in Tucson, Arizona at a meet and greet with Giffords. In the process of trying to kill Giffords, Loughner killed six people and wounded 13 others (including Giffords). Loughner was facing more than 50 federal charges, which dropped to 19 with his plea bargain. The sentencing was done by Federal Judge Larry Burns who said, “He should never get out of prison. I find this is just punishment. He will never have the opportunity to pick up a gun and do this again.” It was found that Loughner does have a mental illness but the judge also said, “The evidence clearly shows that he knew what he was doing, despite his mental illness.” None of the families of the victims were seeking the death penalty for Loughner.
During the trial each of the victims were discussed, highlighting who they were and why they were at the meet and greet. Gifford’s husband, Mark Kelly spoke directly to Loughner stating, “Mr. Loughner, you may have put a bullet through her head but you have not put a dent in her spirit, and her ability to do good.” Kelly also told Loughner, “Gabby and I are done thinking about you” before taking his seat.
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