If there ever was a case for the death penalty this was it. I am very disappointed in the verdict but I wasn't on the jury. There was another article last night about the cost of death penalty cases and the appeal process that is strapping Georgia and other states. I tried to post it along with comments but it wouldn't go through (server too busy).
Anyway, it boils down to our new economy having to accept more lifetime felons in the system due to the lack of money and guts to prosecute to the limit. What this does is take away that threat and pave the way for more to commit murder because they know it is unlikely that they will pay the ultimate price.
I know many will disagree that the death penalty deters murder but I think it does in certain circumstances. Most potential murderers aren't going to jump up and say this was why they didn't kill someone but it is something to consider.