Wednesday, March 14, 2007

Jessica Lunsford

Man convicted of killing Jessica Lunsford faces sentencing today

MIAMI (AP) - A Florida jury reconvenes today to consider the fate of a sex offender convicted of kidnapping, raping and killing nine-year-old Jessica Lunsford. John Couey was convicted of first-degree murder, sexual battery on a child, kidnapping and burglary last Wednesday. The jury will deliberate whether he should face life in prison or the death penalty. Jessica's father, Mark Lunsford, has said in interviews that he's "all for the death penalty." A psychologist for the defense testified during the trial that Couey has signs of mental illness and mental retardation. Those are mitigating circumstances that could spare him the death penalty. A judge will ultimately decide Couey's sentence, taking the jury's recommendation into consideration.
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