By Alabama Public Radio
Birmingham, AL – Spencer was convicted of capital murder for the shooting deaths of three Birmingham police officers. The jury that convicted Spencer recommended he be sentenced to life in prison without parole. Circuit Judge Tommy Nail can either follow that recommendation or sentence Spencer to death. Attorney General Troy King is urging the judge to impose a death sentence. Steve Bright of the Southern Center for Human Rights in Atlanta says Alabama is the only state that allows a judge to override a jury when it recommends against using the death penalty.