Sentencing Set for Man Who Admitted to Killing Three, Including Grandmother

A 32-year-old man has pleaded guilty to three murders, agreeing to serve life in prison without the possibility of parole. Spencer McDonald admitted to killing his grandmother, 80-year-old Dina Vail, her boyfriend, 43-year-old Andrew Graden, and 45-year-old Christopher Brassard, an apartment maintenance worker who attempted to check on the victims.

The plea deal was filed Monday under a “guilty but mentally ill” designation and includes three counts of murder with use of a deadly weapon. Chief Deputy District Attorney John Giordani stated the resolution was fair to both sides. Prosecutors had initially considered seeking the death penalty before reaching the agreement.

According to arrest reports, McDonald told investigators that he had “put the victims out of their misery.” He admitted to bludgeoning and stabbing Vail and Graden, and stabbing Brassard. Police also noted that McDonald remained in the residence with the bodies for several days following the murders.

McDonald’s sentencing is scheduled for August 26.

Source: Las Vegas Review-Journal