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Mecklenburg prosecutors on Thursday announced they would not seek the death penalty against David Hamilton, who is accused of murdering his father and mother in September.
Hamilton, 26, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder. If convicted, he will be sentenced to life in prison without parole.
Hamilton was apprehended in Myrtle Beach on Sept. 30 - the same day Huntersville police discovered James and Stephanie Hamilton dead in their home in the Centennial neighborhood off Huntersville-Concord Road. James and Stephanie Hamilton were pilots who had worked for Piedmont Airlines.
James Hamilton, 73, had retired, but his 56-year-old wife continued working with US Airways.
Police have not released a motive for the slayings and have not disclosed how James and Stephanie Hamilton were killed. Police began searching for David Hamilton after discovering his parents' bodies. Huntersville Police Capt. Michael Kee said Hamilton had a history of mental health problems and might not have been taking his medication.
Mecklenburg Public Defender Kevin Tully would not talk about his reaction to the prosecutors' decision not to try his client for his life.
Family members of the victims were crying as they left the courtroom.
Mecklenburg Assistant District Attorney Gabrielle Macon would not disclose why prosecutors decided not to seek the death penalty against Hamilton.
Hamilton was arrested in 2007 in Iredell County on charges of breaking and entering, larceny and burglary, court records show. He was convicted and placed on probation for five years.
