France awaits verdict in serial killing case

[XanaDUer]

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hI_fsHLaBOUWfqRmQ9uXjvU6oPDwD90UIAFG0

CHARLEVILLE-MEZIERES, France (AP) — Lawyers for a husband and wife on trial in the kidnapping, rape and murder of seven girls in one of France's biggest serial killing cases say they won't appeal if a court convicts the couple.

Prosecutors want maximum life sentences for Michel Fourniret and Monique Olivier, who are said to have hunted for young virgins to rape and kill in crimes allegedly committed in France and Belgium from 1987 to 2003. The court is expected to rule Wendnesday.

The lead prosecutor called Olivier "a witch," while Fourniret's own defense lawyer described him Tuesday as "indefensible." Fourniret refused counsel and remained silent through most of the trial that began March 27.