McElmurry receives death sentence in slayings of couple

A McIntosh County jury has come to a quick decision on the punishment of a man who murdered an elderly couple. <br><br>The jury recommended the death sentence for Harold McElmurry on both counts Friday.

Friday, June 16th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

A McIntosh County jury has come to a quick decision on the punishment of a man who murdered an elderly couple.

The jury recommended the death sentence for Harold McElmurry on both counts Friday. The verdict came after just one hour of deliberation.

Judge Steven Taylor made the sentence official after McElmurry waived his right to formal sentencing.

McElmurry was convicted Thursday of killing 75-year-old Vivian Pendley and her 80-year-old - quadriplegic husband - Robert.

The defense had said in their closing statement that McElmurry was taking the blame for his wife Vickie when he confessed to the murders.

Vickie McElmurry is scheduled to be tried in September.