Fred Coper is sentenced to life in prison without parole today.

Fred Cooper, who was convicted of killing Steven and Michelle Andrews in their home at Gateway in December of 2005 was sentenced Monday. Judge Thomas Reese agreed with the jury’s recommendation of life without parole.

Cooper stood before Reese in his jail orange-colored jump suit when the hearing began at 1 p.m.

There was a motion for a new hearing brought by Cooper’s defense attorneys and it was denied by Reese. Cooper had been found guilty of first degree murder and one count or burglary with an assault or battery while armed on March 3 and within two days the jury met to recommend a sentence which was prison without parole.

Russell Andrews, the father of Steven Andrews, one of the victims in the murder, told the court that his family was satisfied with the jury’s recommendation. Reese told the gathering he was bound by law to accept the jury’s recommendations, except in extreme situations.

Cooper was given the life sentence without the possibility of parole for the murder of Andrews. He was sentenced to life, also with parole for the death of Michelle Andrews and the sentences are to be served consecutively, the judge said.

On the burglary charge, he was given life in prison, with a minimum sentence of 25 years, consecutive to the sentences given for the charges of murder.

If Cooper’s defense attorneys do not appeal the sentence, Cooper will never be released. They have up to 30 days to appeal the judge’s ruling.