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Updated: 6:30 PM Jul 1, 2010
Jury Recommends Death Penalty For Girl's Killer
Three-judge panel to impose sentence on Melecio Camacho-De Jesus Jurors in Dakota City, Nebraska decided Thursday that a Mexican national should face the death penalty in last year's brutal rape and killing of a 3-year-old South Sioux City girl.
Posted: 6:24 PM Jul 1, 2010Reporter: The Associated Press Email Address: sixonline@wowt.com |
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Jurors in Dakota City, Nebraska decided Thursday that a Mexican national should face the death penalty in last year's brutal rape and killing of a 3-year-old South Sioux City girl.
The penalty phase of Melecio Camacho-De Jesus' trial began in Dakota County District Court. Jurors delivered the verdict just before 5:30 p.m.
The same jury convicted the 30-year-old of first-degree murder on Wednesday, but found him not guilty of burglary. A three-judge panel will be appointed to sentence Camacho-De Jesus. The jury's decision gives the panel the authority to impose a death sentence. If the panel's decision is not unanimous, Camacho-De Jesus will receive a life sentence.
Prosecutors say Camacho-De Jesus killed Evelyn Verdugo Paniagua on May 23, 2009 in her home while her family slept. Camacho-De Jesus had previously stayed in the girl’s home as a houseguest of the family.
The death penalty was an option because the girl was killed during a sexual assault. “This little girl suffered horribly at the hands of Mr. Camacho-De Jesus,” said Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning. “He deserves the ultimate sentence for the brutality of this crime.”
