Judge Andrew Smithson (AP)

Judge Andrew Smithson minced no words when he spoke to Timmendequas that day. Yes, the judge said, he could address the jury. The law permitted that much.

"You may ask the jury to spare your life. You may explain to the jury that you are a person capable of remorse, that you are feeling remorse, and that you are capable of rehabilitating your life," Smithson told Timmendequas. But he also warned him not to deny his guilt, argue about the evidence or argue about aggravating and mitigating factors.

In a mousy voice, Timmendequas told the judge that he understood. He spoke for less than half a minute.

“OK. I am sorry for what I've done to Megan. I pray for her and her family every day. I have to live with this and what I've done for the rest of my life,” Jesse Timmendequas said, facing his jurors. “I ask you to let me live, so I, some day, I can understand and have an understanding why something like this could happen."

The jury deliberated for 10 hours. And then they returned their verdict.

Death.

"If they have any doubt about the decision they have made, they made the right one,” Maureen Kanka told reporters at the time. “I'd like to thank them from the bottom of my heart."