SAN ANTONIO – A jury on Friday decided on 27 years in prison as punishment for a man convicted of trying to hire someone to kill his ex-girlfriend and her husband.
Jurors deliberated for four hours before returning their decision for Jimmy Wayne Cook, who was convicted Thursday of solicitation to commit capital murder.
During closing arguments Friday, prosecutors asked the jury to assess a life sentence.
“Life in prison is what is appropriate for Larry Wayne Cook,” prosecutor Josh Somers told jurors. “It’s the way to make sure that Jessica and Richard are safe from this man.”
Calling it a "verbal crime," Cook’s lawyer bristled at the suggestion that he be given a life sentence.
“It’s just not right,” said defense attorney Robert Gebbia. “It’s not justice.”
Gebbia asked for empathy, compassion and mercy.
“People can change,” Gebbia said. “Give him an opportunity to do so. I beg you.”
According to trial testimony, Cook asked an ex-con to find someone to kill Jessica Milewski, 30, and her husband, Richard.
Milewski testified that Cook had been sending her harassing texts and e-mails since their breakup in 2011.
In 2016, the harassment changed to death threats, Milewski testified.
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