Death Penalty Waived in Saudi Slaying

The brother of an Australian nurse murdered in Saudi Arabia said he had officially waived his right to seek the death penalty in regard to two British nurses convicted in the killing. Frank Gilford said he had agreed to a deal that included $1.2 million in compensation in return for clemency. His lawyers released a statement saying the compensation would be paid by British companies that have no connection with the nurses. Yvonne Gilford, 55, was found bludgeoned and stabbed to death in December. Last month, a Saudi court sentenced Lucille McLauchlan, 31, to 500 lashes and eight years in prison for assisting in the killing. Deborah Parry, 39, was found guilty of murder and faced execution. Under Saudi law, however, the victim’s family can have the sentence commuted.