Even if he had gotten the death penalty, he would set in jail for the next 20+ years awaiting the outcome of his many, many appeals. In addition to the 50k a year costs for his upkeep, tack on the hundreds of thousands in taxpayer paid lawyer fees for writing those appeals. Just say’n
If he had been sentenced to death he would become a holy mascot to the left - especially since he is now a Muslim. The leftists would treat him like a hero and you would not hear the end of it. Now at least he will disappear in prison and the leftists won’t have much of a reason to turn him into a celebrity.
Sadly you are right....even here in Texas it takes one or two years and millions in lawyer and court costs!!