Crime & Safety

Bryan Clay Avoids Death Penalty, Will Spend Life In Prison

Bryan Clay, who was convicted in the grisly 2012 murder of two people, avoided the death penalty when he was sentenced Tuesday.

LAS VEGAS, NV - Bryan Clay, who last week was convicted of murdering and raping a girl and her mother in 2012, learned his fate on Tuesday. He will not be sentenced to death.

Jurors gave Clay life in prison without the possibility of parole. The story and trial has captivated the city of Las Vegas for its sheer brutality and prolonged ending. On Tuesday, five and a half years later, the 27-year old Clay received his punishment.

According to reporter Adam Herbets of Fox 5 Vegas, family members of Karla and Ignacia Martinez were in tears after the decision came in.

Find out what's happening in Las Vegasfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Clay, who has a daughter of his own, told jurors on Monday night that if it weren't for her, he "would be begging you all for death."

Herbets reported that Clay was hugging his attorneys, but not smiling, after learning his fate.

Find out what's happening in Las Vegasfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Image: Bryan Clay appears in court in this 2012 photo. (Julie Jacobson/Associated Press)

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

More from Las Vegas