On December 11, 2017 jury deliberation began for the sentencing phase. The next day the jury was deadlocked; however, on December 13 they decided to recommend the death penalty, which was accepted by Judge George G. Lomeli.
The company announced on December 21, 2017, that John Schnatter would step down as CEO of Papa John's Pizza on January 1, 2018, to be replaced as CEO by current company President Steve Ritchie with Schnatter remaining chairman at the time.