BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Convicted murder Vincent Brothers will learn his fate Thursday morning.

Brothers will be sentenced for the July 2003 murders of mother-in-law Earnestine Harper, wife Joanie Harper and the couples three children; Marques, Lynsey, and Marshall.

In May a jury found Brothers guilty of the murders and recommended the death penalty. Judge Michael Bush will determine during Thursday’s sentencing hearing whether to follow the jury’s recommendation.

“I am confident that he will execute the justice that’s demanded,” said Eddie Harper.

Harper and his sister Linda Piggy will give victim impact statements to the court describing to Bush the anguish their family has endured since the murders took place.

“The hurt and of course the reconciling of it all,” said Harper of what he plans on explaining in court.

Judge Bush will use his words and that of others affected by the killings when considering his decision.

Brothers’ defense team is also hoping to sway the judge with their own arguments.

This month Brothers’ attorneys filed two motions, one for a mistrial and another asking for a life sentence. But many in the legal community agree the arguments are not likely to carry any weight.

“I don’t every recall a judge not following the recommendation of a jury,” said defense attorney, David Torres.