Florida Man Sentenced To Life In Prison For Murders Of Pastor, Neighbor, And Wife

A Florida man has been sentenced to life in prison for killing a local pastor, a neighbor and his wife. 

Andres Avalos Jr., 36, of Bradenton, could have faced execution, but jurors did not reach a unanimous vote for the death penalty late Monday. 

Avalos was convicted Saturday of first-degree murder in the deaths of his neighbor, Denise Potter, and the Rev. James "Tripp" Battle III in December 2014. He also was convicted of second-degree murder in his wife Amber Avalos' death.

Defense attorneys had argued that Avalos suffered from a delusional disorder and was insane at the time of the killings. 

A sentencing hearing for the slaying of Amber Avalos has not been scheduled.

Battle's widow said a life prison sentence for Avalos was "justice." Prosecutors said they believed Avalos' actions warranted the death penalty.


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