We plead with the court to never release this animal to society"

To do justice to Christina, Sunshine and Rhett, I did not rush updating the Tree sentencing posts. I want to do justice to the emotional and detailed victim impact statements.

Being first and scooping is irrelevant sometimes. The families have spoken to me privately and will do so later. I do not want to press them today because they deserve privacy, closure and healing and to be alone after this tragedy and months of trials. Their words privately to me and their appreciation of my daily coverage starting from jury selection is what is important to me, not hits to my site.

Some of the jurors were wiping tears as did Sean Butler-Smith's sister Breanne and community members. Even the court staff who were stoic and professional were shaken by the emotional testimony of the families. While Rhett August's mother attended, she chose not to speak.

Victim witness representative Marybeth read a letter from Nancy Jo Marcet, Sunshine's mother. Michael Tostado, Christina's uncle read his own statement, that of his wife, and Christina's aunt and the last one to read was Tina Schwarz, Christina's mother.

Mrs. Marcet started her letter by referring  the loss of her son, "who was taken from us so violently trying to protect Christina." The last words Alan "Sunshine" Marcet texted to his mother on May 17, were "I love you so very much." And on May 18, she found out he was dead. This loss just on the heels of Sunshine's father being killed. Sunshine's younger brother lost both his father and brother in a very short period of time.

Mrs. Marcet said she received thousands of notes from people on how Sunshine had helped them and touched their lives. "It saddens me to know his work is already finished..

"Losing my son to such a senseless act of violence goes deep. He should not be allowed to do this to anyone again. I believe he should have been tethered last time so law enforcement knew where he was at all times"

"He should not be allowed to do this anyone again," Mrs. Marcet's sentiment was reiterated by all speakers, Ms. Firpo and Judge Dale Reinholtsen.

"We plead with the court to never release this animal to society," were the words of Christina's uncle.

The families were very grateful to DDA Elan Firpo and the jurors who they thanked.