BRIDGEPORT, Conn. -- Eyewitness News has learned that a jury has decided to send a former drug dealer convicted in the deaths of an 8-year-old boy and his mother to death.

Russell Peeler was convicted in 2000 of ordering his younger brother to kill Karen Clarke and her son, Leroy "B.J." Brown Jr., in their Bridgeport duplex. The boy was expected to be the key witness against Peeler in the fatal shooting of Clarke's boyfriend.

Attorney Reacts Peeler Decision

The six men and six women on the jury have been deliberating since Wednesday in Superior Court in Bridgeport.

Peeler's defense attorney, Jeffrey Beck, said that it was an emotional decision for the jury.

"One of the jurors broke down and appeared to be crying heavily, and I believe his exact words were 'May God help us,'" Beck said.

Peeler has been in prison since his arrest a few weeks after the killings and was convicted in 2000 of capital felony.

A previous jury had deadlocked on the death penalty. Peeler's brother, Adrian, was convicted of conspiracy to commit murder, despite being the accused shooter. Adrian Peeler was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

A judge is scheduled to formally sentence Peeler on Dec. 8.

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