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Web Producer: Ina Ronquillo
Reporter:  Jessica Chapin

TUCSON (KGUN9-TV) - U.S. District Court Judge Larry A. Burns has found Jared Lee Loughner competent after therapy.

Judge Burns ruled Tuesday that after months of forcibly medicating Loughner to treat his schizophrenia, he is now competent to understand the gravity of the charges against him and assist in his own defense.  The decision came after Burns and an attorney questioned Loughner's psychologist Dr. Christina Pietz for an hour.

Burns also questioned Loughner, detailing the rights he would be waving.  Loughner remained expressionless as he acknowledged he understood.

"You have a clear mind and a clear head about making that decision?"  Judge Burns asked, as Loughner replied "Yes, I do."

Loughner then pleaded guilty to fatally shooting six victims and wounding 13 others, including former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords.  His plea allows him to avoid the death penalty.

In a press release, Attorney General Eric Holder said, "It is my hope that this decision will allow the Tucson community, and the nation, to continue the healing process free of what would likely be extended trial and pre-trial proceedings that would not have a certain outcome. The prosecutors and agents assigned to this matter have done an outstanding job and have ensured that justice has been done."

Holder contuned by saying, "In making the determination not to seek the death penalty, I took into consideration the views of the victims and survivor families, the recommendations of the prosecutors assigned to the case, and the applicable law."

Through a plea agreement, Loughner pleaded guilty to 19 counts of the superseding indictment handed down March 3, 2011, consisting of the following crimes:

• The attempted assassination of U.S. Congresswoman Gabrielle D. Giffords
• The murders of federal employees U.S. District Court Chief Judge John M. Roll and Congressional Aide Gabriel M. Zimmerman
• The attempted murders of federal employees and Congressional Aides Ronald S. Barber and Pamela K. Simon
• Causing the deaths of Christina-Taylor Green, Dorothy J. Morris, Phyllis C. Schneck, and Dorwan C. Stoddard, all of whom were participants at an activity provided by the United States
• Injuring through the use of a Glock pistol Bill D. Badger, Kenneth W. Dorushka, James E. Fuller, Randy W. Gardner, Susan A. Hileman, George S. Morris, Mary C. Reed, Mavanell Stoddard, James L. Tucker, and Kenneth L. Veeder, Sr., all of whom were participants at an activity provided by the United States.

Loughner admitted that in committing these offenses, he knowingly created a grave risk of death to Carol A. Dorushka, Robert C. Gawlick, Daniel Hernandez, Mark S. Kimble, Patricia R. Maisch, Emma E. McMahon, Owen A. McMahon, Thomas J. McMahon, Sara M. Rajca, Faith M. Salzgeber, Roger D. Salzgeber, Doris Tucker and Alexander J. Villec.
 
Under the terms of the plea agreement, Loughner will be sentenced to seven consecutive life sentences, followed by 140 years in prison, as follows:
 
Loughner will be sentenced to a term of life in prison for each of the following crimes:

• The attempted assassination of Congresswoman Gabrielle D. Giffords
• The murders of federal employees U.S. District Court Chief Judge John M. Roll and Congressional Aide Gabriel M. Zimmerman
• Causing the deaths of Christina-Taylor Green, Dorothy J. Morris, Phyllis C. Shneck, and Dorwan C. Stoddard, all of whom were participants at an activity provided by the United States

Loughner will also be sentenced to the maximum term of 20 years in prison for each of the attempted murders of Congressional Aides Ronald S. Barber and Pamela K. Simon.

Finally, Loughner will be sentenced to the maximum term of 10 years in prison for injuring through the use of a Glock pistol each of the following:

• Bill D. Badger
• Kenneth W. Dorushka
• James E. Fuller
• Randy W. Gardner
• Susan A. Hileman
• George S. Morris
• Mary C. Reed
• Mavanell Stoddard
• James L. Tucker
• Kenneth L. Veeder, Sr.

Convictions for the attempted assassination of a member of Congress, the murder of a federal employee, and causing the death of a participant in a federally-provided activity each carry a maximum sentence of life in prison (or death in the case of murder), a $250,000 fine or both. A conviction for the attempted murder of a federal employee carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both. A conviction for injuring a participant in a federally-provided activity carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both. In determining an actual sentence, U.S. District Judge Larry A. Burns will consult the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide appropriate sentencing ranges. The judge, however, is not bound by those guidelines in determining a sentence.

Outside of the court house, John Leonardo with the U.S Attorney's office pointed to the bigger picture, expressing his satisfaction with the result.

"The lives of these victims and the lives of their families will never be the same and nothing that the criminal justice system or anyone can do will ever bring back what these people have lost," he said, "We hope that what we've accomplished today will be a positive step forward in the progress of healing and recovery from the tremendous losses that they have suffered."

To read the full Jared Loughner plea agreement, click here.

Sentencing for Loughner has been set for November 15 at 10:00 a.m.