LAS VEGAS (AP) — A family's forgiveness prompted a dramatic turnaround in a Las Vegas courtroom, where a judge agreed to let prosecutors withdraw a call for the death penalty for a man found guilty in a 2011 Las Vegas brew pub slaying.
Brandon Hill apologized Monday to victim Michael Portaro's mother, Cynthia Portaro, and she stood and asked Clark County District Court Judge Elissa Cadish to spare Hill's life.
Portaro and Hill family members embraced outside court.
Cynthia Portaro told reporters she's relieved because good Christians can't live with hatred, animosity and anger.
The 26-year-old Hill was convicted Friday and still faces life in prison at sentencing April 16.
Michael Portaro was a 22-year-old aspiring musician when he was shot dead during a robbery outside Tenaya Creek brew pub in northwest Las Vegas.
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