Jury recommends life for killer who shot clerk, customer

CLEVELAND (AP) -- A jury recommended life in prison for a man who fatally shot a store clerk and a customer who was buying formula for her newborn during a robbery at a deli.
Sean Rembert, 32, of Cleveland, was convicted in April of killing Jorge Santiago, 36, inside the store and gunning down Rebecca Cordoves, 21, on the snowy sidewalk outside. The jury's recommendation means Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge Joseph Russo cannot impose a death sentence when he formally sentences Rembert on Wednesday.
Rembert took the stand for a short unsworn statement Thursday afternoon but spent most of the time in court staring blankly.
"I'm sorry this ever took place at the store," he mumbled. "I'm sorry for even being at the store."
Rembert was one of two men who opened fire during a Dec. 13, 2004, robbery at Tony's Delicatessen, with Rembert firing the fatal shots, prosecutors said.
Cordoves had come to the store to buy formula for her 5-week-old daughter, hours after the family's pediatrician recommended she switch brands. Santiago, who worked at the store, was there visiting a co-worker.
Rembert admitted taking part in the robbery but denied shooting anyone. He blamed co-defendant John Williams, 28, who is awaiting trial.
Three others involved in the robbery testified against Rembert after pleading guilty to reduced charges.