Man faces life in Michigan stabbing spree

FLINT, Mich. (AP) -- A man convicted of murder in the first trial from a 2010 stabbing spree in Michigan returns to court for a mandatory life sentence.

There is no parole for first-degree murder. Short of a successful appeal, Elias Abuelazam (EE'-lee-us ah-BOOL'-ah-zahm) will be locked up until he dies. The 35-year-old Israeli native was convicted last month of fatally stabbing Arnold Minor near downtown Flint.

He is scheduled for sentencing Monday.

Abuelazam's lawyers tried to convince jurors that he was a paranoid schizophrenic controlled by demons during the stabbing spree. But the jury agreed with experts who interviewed Abuelazam and had a different opinion about his mental health.

Abuelazam is charged with two more murders and seven attempted murders, including one in Toledo, Ohio.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)