Families of slain California teenagers address killer in San Diego court

Families of slain teens address killer in court

SAN DIEGO — Parents of two slain California girls have appeared in a San Diego court to denounce the sex offender who admitted the murders.

Defendant John Albert Gardner wept Friday as the lives of 14-year-old Amber Dubois and 17-year-old Chelsea King were recalled in victim impact statements before his sentencing.

Family members have called Gardner a predator and “cold-hearted monster” and told him he will never make it to heaven.

Gardner reached a plea deal last month that spares him the death penalty.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Families of two teenage girls slain by a sex offender are in court to address the girls’ killer.

Witness statements began Friday afternoon in San Diego during the sentencing hearing for John Albert Gardner.

Gardner, dressed in a green prison suit, looked down during the first witness statement and choked back sobs and tears before wiping his eye on his shoulder.

Gardner reached a plea deal last month that spared him a possible death penalty for murdering 14-year-old Amber Dubois and 17-year-old Chelsea King.