Lake County judge sentences Joseph Thomas to death row for Annie McSween murder

CLEVELAND - A judge agreed with jurors, sentencing a man to death row for the brutal killing of a Mentor-on-the-Lake bartender.

The Lake County Common Pleas Court judge sentenced Joseph Thomas to die for the brutal killing of a bartender two years ago. Annie McSween, 49, was violently murdered on Nov. 26, 2010. Her body was found behind Mario’s Lakeway Lounge on Andrews Road where she worked. The Lake County Coroner’s office said she died from multiple stab wounds.

Thomas was motionless and emotionless when the judge sentenced him to death. Thomas had a chance to make a statement, but refused. McSween's family didn't hold back though. 

"You viciously and without remorse or mercy took the life of our mother and grandson's grandmother. Still to this day, you show no remorse, which speaks volumes to the narcissistic monster you are and struggle to see you as anything but," said McSween's daughter-in-law, Erin.

Months after McSween's death, her daughter, Erica, died of an accidental drug overdose at her Mentor home.

Thomas continues to claim he's innocent. The death penalty triggers an automatic appeal.