US teen given two life sentences for Florida killings

A teenager was handed two life sentences after being found guilty of murdering two British tourists in Florida.

Shawn Tyson, 17, gunned down James Kouzaris, 24, and James Cooper, 25, after they had drunkenly walked into a public housing estate in Sarasota in the early hours of April 16 last year.

The killer, who was tried as an adult and avoided the death penalty, will not be eligible for parole after being convicted of two counts of first degree murder at Sarasota County Courthouse.

The court heard emotional tributes from family and friends of the murdered tourists, with one describing the ordeal as "a journey to hell".

A statement from Mr Cooper's parents was read by prosecutor Karen Fraivillig, in which they said they had celebrated his 25th birthday three days before his death.

A video was also played of Mr Kouzaris's parents, his father Peter, with his wife by his side, said his son had "an insatiable appetite for life".

Mr Kouzaris and Mr Cooper had been drinking on the night of April 16 and drunkenly walked into a rundown area of Sarasota in the early hours where Tyson confronted and tried to rob them.

The two tourists said they had no money, to which Tyson replied: "Well, since you ain't got no money, I got something for your ass."

The men pleaded to go home, saying they were drunk, but the teenager, then 16, shot one and then the other.

Outside the court Ms Fraivillig said she was "pleased" with the verdict.