Jury will soon consider whether convicted murderer lives or dies

Testimony has concluded in the punishment phase of the trial for convicted triple murderer Andres “Andy” Avalos. After hearing closing arguments Monday afternoon, the jury will determine whether Avalos will be sentenced to life in prison or to death by lethal injection for the December 2014 murders of his wife and two other people in Bradenton.

The same jury that will consider his punishment on Saturday found him guilty of second-degree murder in the death of his wife, Amber Avalos; and guilty of two counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of a neighbor, Denise Potter, and the Rev. James “Tripp” Battle, in December 2014.

Several witnesses for both the prosecution and defense, including family members of Avalos and his victims, testified Monday morning.

This story was originally published May 22, 2017 at 8:50 AM with the headline "Jury will soon consider whether convicted murderer lives or dies."