Inmates spared death penalty for killing fellow inmate

Robert Rowland, 41, and Tony Smith, 32, showed no emotion Friday after a Carson District Court jury sentenced them to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the death of Steven Silva.

The jury deliberated for about 11 hours over two days before reaching the decision. Prosecutors sought the death sentence.

The same jury took less than two hours Tuesday after a three-week trial to find the two inmates guilty of Silva's murder.

Rowland and Smith denied they had anything to do with Silva's death. Investigators said they belonged to a white-supremacist gang called GFBD, which stands for God Forgives, Brothers Don't.

They allegedly were angry with Silva for selling his methadone pills to one group of inmates but not to others. Silva was found beaten in his cell and later died at a hospital.

In a written statement, the jury noted the murder was not premeditated and that Rowland helped prevent an attack on correctional officers.

Rowland, of Los Angeles, has an extensive criminal history, including convictions for assault with a deadly weapon, robbery and sodomy.

Smith, of Washoe County, originally was sent to prison for drunken driving, but later became involved in drug smuggling.

Deputy Attorney General Dorothy Nash Holmes said she was pleased with the jury's sentence.

"At least we now know, they will be in the highest level of security," she said.

archive