Trials: Avenging Sylvia

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Last week, after more than eight hours' deliberation, the jury of eight men and four women reached its ver dict. Gertrude Baniszewski was convicted of first-degree murder; although the prosecution demanded the death penalty, the jury showed mercy and she was given a life sentence. Paula was found guilty of second-degree murder, which in Indiana carries a mandatory life term. John Baniszewski, Hubbard and Hobbs were convicted of man slaughter, and will each serve from two to 21 years in prison. Still awaiting trial is Stephanie, who, alone of her cruel clan, told the prosecution all she knew about Sylvia's slow death.