A Marion County jury has recommended life in prison for convicted killer James Bannister.

PREVIOUSLY:

The jury had two options: life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty. After deliberating for two days, the jury recommended a life sentence for Bannister. ​

Bannister was convicted last week of killing his girlfriend, her mother and her mother's boyfriend's two children in 2011.

Investigators said Jocalyn Gray; her mother, Bridget; and two children who were living with Bridget — Cor-Darrian and Cor-Derica Hill — were shot and their bodies were found in Bridget's burning home.

The jury voted eight for death and four for life in prison on all four first-degree murder counts. The jury had to be unanimous ​for a death sentence. 

The defense has 30 days to appeal the sentence.