Convicted capital murderer forgoes appeals for life without parole

BALDWIN COUNTY, Ala. (WALA) - A Baldwin County jury deliberated for just under two hours before reaching a guilty verdict in the capital murder trial of Shaun Carmadelle.

Carmadelle was charged in the strangulation death of Steven McCullough.

Carmadelle addressed the family of his victim after the verdict, and summarized his statement as he was being led to jail.

He said, "I apologize to the victim's family, and to my kids. You reap what you sow. If you do drugs and alcohol, it’s only going to lead you to a life of death, and the rest of your life in prison."

But, the prosecution agreed not to pursue the death penalty in return for Carmadelle not appealing, and serving life in prison without parole.

Prosecutor David Metheny said, "After the jury returned the guilty verdict, guilty of capital murder, we had, even before that point in time, discussions with the family about their desire about finality and things to rest."

Defense Attorney Pascal Brujin said, "Anytime you save your client's life, it's a win. We worked very hard for two weeks to save his life, and we saved his. We're very happy in the results."

Prosecutors said McCullough was strangled with an electrical cord.

After the trial, McCullough's wife talked about memories of her husband.

Laura McCullough said, "I hope that anybody, at least that they have had a chance to hold someone when something like this happens, because all I had was God. And, if you ever get a chance, don't forget to say 'I love you.'"