The sentencing brought Conahan's trial to a close three years after his arrest, but it by far does not mean the case is over.  Defense attorneys plan to file a motion requesting a new trial as well as a notice of appeal of Conahan's conviction.  Attorney Paul Sullivan said Conahan is also filing a motion for the right to present his own appeal.
 
"He wants to be his own attorney for the appeal, but he wants a qualified attorney appointed to advise him," Sullivan said.

Hall stated that dozens of hearings would be held in the coming years before Conahan goes to the electric chair.  The appeals process is an essential part of our justice system, he said.
 
"If you're going to impose the ultimate penalty, then I believe the state has a duty to see that the defendant has ample opportunity to appeal," Hall said.

While Conahan was charged only for Montgomery's death, investigators suspect him in the murders of the five other men whose bodies were found in wooded areas of north Charlotte County from 1994 to 1996.

As for Conahan, Mary West, Montgomery's mother said she hopes he meets God.

"If he truly believes, he has a right to walk in heaven with God's faithful," she said. "He's one of God's children, too."