Ex-Marine sentenced to death for murders

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KABC) -- A 27-year-old former Marine was sentenced to death Friday for killing a Marine sergeant and his wife during a home invasion robbery in Riverside County in 2008.

"It is hereby ordered that you shall suffer the death penalty, said penalty to be inflicted within the walls of the California State Prison at San Quentin," Judge Christian Thierbach said.

Kesaun Sykes' sentencing comes six years and 24 days after the murders of Marine Sgt. Jan Pietrzak and his wife, Quiana Jenkins-Pietrzak. Sykes is the fourth former Marine convicted in the couple's killing.

"There is no closure when your loved one is gone, especially when they have been tortured, raped and murdered," said Garrett Williams, Jenkins-Pietrzak's uncle.

Sykes, Emrys John, Kevin Cox and Tyrone Miller were found guilty in separate trials.

During victim impact statements, Sykes showed no remorse and offered no apology.

"I go to the cemetery ever week, I have not missed in six years, and I will continue to go because that's where I have to go to see my children," said Glenda Williams-Jenkins, Jenkins-Pietrzak's mother.

"Jan Pietrzak was my life, my life and my precious only son," said Henryka Varga, Pietrzak's mother.

In Oct. 2008, the newly married couple was found beaten and bound after being shot in their Winchester home. Prosecutors say robbery was the motive.

All four Marines had worked with Pietrzak at Camp Pendleton.

"This was a highly sophisticated and premeditated late night commando raid perpetrated by combat trained members of the United States Marines," Thierbach said.

The couple's family say they have waited six years for this day, but now they're not done waiting.

"I didn't believe in the death penalty at first, but after hearing over six years, being here every month for six years and listening to what they did and how my children were tortured, how my daughter was multiply raped, I will be there when it happens to them," Glenda Williams-Jenkins said.

Sykes will now join John and Miller on San Quentin State Prison's Death Row. Cox received two consecutive life sentences.