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October 16, 2006
Joseph E. Duncan III - Pleads Guilty To Murder, Kidnapping
Joseph E. Duncan III, accused of killing three members of an Idaho family so he could kidnap two children for sex, pleaded guilty Monday to murder and kidnapping in a deal that calls for him to receive three consecutive life terms without parole, but leaves open a possible death sentence.
Sentencing on the three counts of first-degree murder was withheld until Duncan's federal trial, Kootenai County Prosecutor Bill Douglas said. If the federal trial does not produce a death sentence, Duncan could be brought back for a death penalty hearing in state court, Douglas said.
Federal prosecutors have said they intend to charge Duncan, 43, with kidnapping Shasta and Dylan Groene, and with the killing of 9-year-old Dylan in 2005.
Shasta and Dylan were taken to a remote campsite in Montana where Dylan was later found dead. Shasta was rescued after Duncan walked into a Denny's restaurant with her in Coeur d'Alene seven weeks later.
The agreement announced Monday slightly changes a plea deal Duncan's lawyers offered last week in that it keeps the death penalty option in Idaho, should a federal jury not opt for capital punishment, Douglas said.
The deal also means that the only survivor, 9-year-old Shasta, will not have to testify. She was expected to be a primary witness against Duncan at trial.
Duncan pleaded guilty to three counts of first-degree murder and three counts of first-degree kidnapping in the slayings by hammer blows of Brenda Groene; her fiance, Mark McKenzie; and Groene's 13-year-old son, Slade, in May 2005 at their home outside of Coeur d'Alene.
Under the agreement, Duncan is to cooperate fully with law enforcement officers on the state charges and the anticipated federal counts. Duncan will also provide the key to unlocking coded files in his computer that could present additional evidence in the case.
"We essentially gave up nothing," Douglas said of the plea negotiations. "It is virtually guaranteed he will face two death juries."
http://www.kirotv.com/news/10085817/detail.html
Posted by Nealus at October 16, 2006 03:43 PM
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