A Maui jury has cleared the way for a life sentence without parole in the killing of a police officer, a win for prosecutors and the department.

• A 39-year-old man found guilty last week of first-degree murder and gun charges now faces extended prison terms.
• The separate jury finding on sentencing means life without the possibility of parole is on the table.
• The case stems from the shooting death of a Maui Police Department officer.
• Extended-term findings like this are reserved for the most serious cases and sharply limit a judge's leniency.

Outlook: Formal sentencing is the next step, with life without parole the likely outcome.