Killer Is Eligible for Death Penalty
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From Associated Press
GERING, Neb. — A jury Thursday found that a man who abducted, sexually assaulted and killed a 15-year-old newspaper carrier in western Nebraska was eligible for the death penalty.
The jury earlier had convicted Jeffrey Hessler of kidnapping, sexually assaulting and murdering Heather Guerrero in February 2003. A three-judge panel will decide whether to sentence Hessler to death or life in prison without parole.
Prosecutor Doug Warner cited the mental and physical anguish Hessler caused Guerrero in urging the death penalty.
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