For the murder of four Americans aboard SV Quest
Somali pirates who were previously found guilty of piracy, murder within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States, violence against maritime navigation, conspiracy to commit violence against maritime navigation resulting in death, kidnapping resulting in death, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, hostage taking resulting in death, conspiracy to commit hostage taking resulting in death and multiple firearms offenses, were sentenced for the murder of four American aboard the SV Quest.
The pirates were all sentenced to 21 life sentences, 19 consecutive life sentences and 2 concurrent life sentences, and 30 years consecutive, for their role in the February 22, 2011, murder of four Americans aboard the sailing vessel Quest. The victims included: Scott Underwood Adam, Jean Savage Adam, Phyllis Patricia Macay, and Robert Campbell Riggle.
These defendants, in violation of U.S. and international law, commandeered an American-flagged sailing vessel, refused to release the hostages to the Navy, and brutally murdered the four Americans on board, said Acting U.S. Attorney Boente. The multiple, consecutive life sentences imposed today send a clear message that piracy, hostage-taking, and murder on the high seas will not be tolerated.
Assistant Director in Charge George Venizelos said, The sad fact about this case is that four Americans are dead because of the actions taken by the defendants and their associates in the form of modern-day piracy. On a fateful day in February 2011, they boarded the sailing vessel Quest with the goal of using violence to get monetary gains. Todays life sentences provide a vigorous deterrent to armed bandits roaming our seas.
Sourceand image credit: US Department of Justice
