Man to get sentences for killing 4 Michigan women

Associated Press
FILE - In this June 8, 2012, file photo is James Brown in Sterling Heights, Mich. Brown was convicted of first-degree murder in the deaths of four women whose bodies were stashed in cars in Detroit in 2011. (AP Photo/Detroit News, Todd McInturf, File ) DETROIT FREE PRESS OUT; HUFFINGTON POST OUT

MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. (AP) — A man convicted of killing four women whom he met through an online escort site won't be in a Detroit-area courtroom when he's sentenced to life in prison.

Attorney Jeff Cojocar tells The Associated Press that James Brown has chosen to stay in jail Tuesday.

Brown's absence means he won't see victims' relatives who plan to speak in Macomb County court. There were cheers and sobs when he was convicted of first-degree murder in February.

Cojocar says Brown "doesn't want to be around that environment" again.

The 26-year-old Brown admits the four women died in pairs in his basement. But he told police he couldn't explain why they died. Authorities believe they were asphyxiated.

The women met Brown through Backpage.com, which carries personal ads for people looking for sex.