Winstead Sentencing
By: Web Producer
Updated: August 31, 2007
A Muhlenberg County jury recommended Russell Winstead receive 25 years to life in prison for the death of his aunt, plus 20 years for the robbery.
The 12 jurors found Winstead guilty Thursday morning and the Madisonville Messenger newspaper reports that by Thursday night, they handed down their recommendation.
The paper says Winstead will serve at least 42 years before he is up for parole.
He escaped the death penalty because of a Costa Rican extradition agreement.
The country refused to ship Winstead back to the U.S. unless prosecutors agreed not to pursue the death penalty against him.
Prosecutors say Winstead committed the crimes in 2003 because he owed his aunt a large sum of money.
