Richard Emery sentenced to death in murder of girlfriend and her family

richard emery crying sitting on the stand in court
Photo credit St. Louis Post-Dispatch

A St. Charles County jury sentenced Richard Emery to death on four counts of first-degree murder.

In closing statements on Tuesday's penalty phase prosecutors detailed what Emery did after shooting his girlfriend.

"Kicks open that door, sticks a gun within two feet of her grandmothers face while this eight-year-old little girl watches, while this ten-year-old little boy watches."

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Emery killed his girlfriend's mother, then her two kids. Defense attorneys tried to claim the killer had a personality disorder and was not responsible for his actions. They described him as a "good man with a good heart" and no criminal history.

Earlier in the trial, Emery had not denied the murders, but said he was not in his right mind and had little memory of the night.

Emery will be the 21st person on death row in Missouri.

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Featured Image Photo Credit: St. Louis Post-Dispatch