The State - News from Oct. 6, 1985

A man accused of killing his parents, sister and niece at the family’s ranch near Santa Barbara lost his bid to be spared the death penalty if he is convicted. Deputy Public Defender Michael McGrath, representing Barry McNamara, had requested that execution not be considered because of imperfections in the death penalty law. Superior Court Judge Patrick McMahon denied the motion. McNamara, 37, is charged with the Jan. 5 slayings of Elger McNamara, 57, Florence McNamara, 56, Diane McNamara Trenner, 31, and Kellin Trenner, 4.