Tearful sex offender sentenced to life for killing 2 teenage girls in San Diego County

Gardner gets life prison term for killing 2 teens

SAN DIEGO — A sex offender convicted of killing two teenage girls in San Diego County has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

John Albert Gardner cried Friday as the girls’ families took turns at the podium addressing him during his sentencing hearing in San Diego.

Gardner reached a plea deal last month that spared him a possible death penalty. He admitted raping and murdering 14-year-old Amber Dubois last year and 17-year-old Chelsea King in February.

He also pleaded guilty to attempting to rape a jogger near the spot where he attacked Chelsea.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Parents of two slain California girls have appeared in a San Diego court to denounce the sex offender who admitted the murders.

Defendant John Albert Gardner wept Friday as the lives of 14-year-old Amber Dubois and 17-year-old Chelsea King were recalled in victim impact statements before his sentencing.

Family members have called Gardner a predator and “cold-hearted monster” and told him he will never make it to heaven.

Gardner reached a plea deal last month that spares him the death penalty.