Jared Lee Loughner, the man who killed six people and wounded 13 others in a shooting rampage in Tucson, Arizona, was recently sentenced to seven consecutive life sentences, followed by 140 years in prison.
Three months ago, Loughner pleaded guilty to 19 federal charges with an agreement for guaranteed life in prison without the option of parole.
Then-Representative Gabby Giffords was one of the severely wounded in the January 2011 shooting rampage outside of a grocery store, at which a political event for her was being held. Giffords’ husband, Mark Kelly, told the court on the day of Loughner’s sentencing that Giffords’ ability to speak has largely been taken from her, along with struggling to walk and being blind in one eye.
Some other victims in the courtroom directly addressed Loughner, who showed no emotion while hearing the countless stories of how he has changed the lives of these innocent victims forever.
Kelly made a riveting final statement about his wife saying, “Mr. Loughner, you may have put a bullet through her head but you haven’t put a dent in her spirit and her commitment to make the world a better place.”
Both sides reached the plea deal after the judge declared Loughner fit to understand the charges against him. After the shooting in 2011, Loughner was diagnosed with schizophrenia and underwent aggressive psychotropic drug treatment.
It was known that Loughner had planned the attacks by obtaining a gun, a high-class pistol magazine, and earplugs while waiting in line at the grocery store for Giffords.
Another victim, Mavy Stoddard, whose husband was killed in the shooting, left Loughner with these words: “I am so lonesome, hate living without him; we will never let you win. You will not take our spirit.”