Death Sentence in Sparks Killing Overturned
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Updated: 3:59 AM Nov 5, 2009
Death Sentence in Sparks Killing Overturned
A divided Nevada Supreme Court has overturned the death sentence and ordered a new penalty hearing for one of three men convicted of robbing and killing a paraplegic woman in Sparks.
Posted: 9:32 PM Nov 4, 2009
Reporter: Associated Press
Email Address: news@kolotv.com
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CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) - A divided Nevada Supreme Court has overturned the death sentence and ordered a new penalty hearing for one of three men convicted of robbing and killing a paraplegic woman in Sparks.

In an opinion issued Wednesday, justices unanimously upheld the first-degree murder conviction of 31-year-old Pedro Rodriguez for the 1998 murder of Kimberly Fondy.

But the high court, in a 4-3 split, differed on whether the death penalty was appropriate.

The majority determined his trial lawyer was ineffective for not doing enough to find witnesses to present mitigating testimony about his background during the penalty phase.

The case was remanded to Washoe District Judge Brent Adams for a new penalty hearing.

Two other defendants are serving life prison terms.

Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.


Latest Comments

Posted by: Eric Location: Reno on Nov 4, 2009 at 08:23 PM

What a waste of taxpayer money.... ANYONE with a life sentence should be immediately put to death!!! Stop wasting money on meaningless people! Just do it already!
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