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Man Convicted In Washington Co. Murders Gets Life

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Oct 28, 2009 6:35 pm US/Eastern

Man Convicted In Washington Co. Murders Gets Life

WASHINGTON, Pa. (KDKA) ― A Washington County man will spend the rest of his natural life in jail without the possibility of parole according to the sentence handed down today by Washington County Judge Debbie O'Dell Seneca.

Gerald Szakal was convicted earlier this month of second degree murder in the shooting deaths of retired Carroll Twp. Police Chief Howard Springer and his wife Nancy.

Springer and his wife were shot to death in their home where Springer traded in jewelry during retirement. Investigators said the murders were the result of a robbery influenced by drugs.

Members of Springer's family gave victim impact statements.

"They will never be able to hold their grandchildren or watch them grow up. My pain is overwhelming. There is nothing you can do to bring back mom and dad," Jill Danish, the victims' daughter said.

"I hope the good Lord sees you in a different light than I do," the judge told Szakal.

She added 20-40 years for the robbery conviction.

Defense attorney Noah Geary has said he sees a number of grounds for appeal.

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