Judge sentences man to death for used car lot slayings

CLEVELAND – A judge has sentenced a man to death for the slayings of a couple at their Cleveland used car dealership.

The Cuyahoga (ky-uh-HOH’-guh) County judge sentenced 32-year-old Joseph McAlpin on Tuesday. The jury that found McAlpin guilty of aggravated murder and other charges had recommended the death penalty.

McAlpin was convicted in the April 2017 slayings of Trina Tomola and Michael Kuznik. Prosecutors say McAlpin fatally shot the couple and their dog and stole a car.

McAlpin represented himself at trial and maintained his innocence.

Cleveland.com reports that McAlpin said in court Tuesday that his “fight’s going to continue.”

McAlpin apologized to his family for what he described as his “ignorant” declarations during trial that he would only accept full liberty or death. He did not address the relatives of the victims.

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Information from: cleveland.com, http://www.cleveland.com