Logan » The trial took nearly five weeks and, on Thursday, the jury took fewer than two hours to unanimously decide that Glenn Howard Griffin, 51, will spend the rest of his life in prison without the possibility of parole.

This same 1st District Court jury had unanimously agreed Friday that Griffin was guilty of murdering Bradley Newell Perry, who was 22 at the time of his death on May 26, 1984. Griffin was 26.

"The injuries and the nature of this crime were animalistic, savage," prosecutor Brad Smith said in closing arguments Thursday morning. "This was a murder in which Mr. Griffin made Brad Perry feel his death."

"We're considering the death of one man and the wasted life of another," Smith said.

Court-appointed defense attorney Randall Richards told the jurors that each of them can administer justice with mercy by imposing a prison sentence, not the death penalty.

Solitary confinement 23 hours a day in a 6-by-8-foot concrete cell for the rest of his life is a merciful punishment for Griffin, Richards said.

"We do not know, nor can we comprehend, the demons that Mr. Griffin has had to grapple with," he said, referring to Griffin's congenital organic brain disorder. "His only contact with other humans will be through a tiny slot in the [cell] door. He will be alone to think and contemplate each day of his miserable life, about his crime and punishment. That is, in a very real sense, justice," the defense attorney said.

Presiding Judge Ben Hadfield of the Brigham City 1st District Court -- the trial was conducted in Logan -- showing emotion, commended attorneys for having done fine work. He also complimented the Griffin and Perry families.

"This is an extraordinary experience," Hadfield said. "As you study history, it seems that often in the worst of circumstances, we're able to see the best [in people].

"I haven't seen any anger or vengeance on the part of either family. That's remarkable."

Following the jury's decision, Griffin's mother Arlene Griffin Pyle, surrounded by her loved ones, said: "I'm just glad it's over."

Defense attorney Richards talked about the case's difficulty, adding, "The jury got the life sentence right."

And Newell B. Perry, the victim's father, said he was satisfied with the jury and the efforts of prosecutor Smith and detectives.

abrunson@sltrib.com