Jury finds man who killed 15-year-old paper carrier eligible for execution
GERING, Neb. A jury in Nebraska has decided that a man who abducted, sexually assaulted and killed a 15-year-old newspaper carrier is eligible for the death penalty. On Tuesday, the jury convicted Jeffrey Hessler of kidnapping, sexually assaulting and murdering Heather Guerrero in February 2003.
The jury determined that Hessler had a substantial history of violent and terroristic behavior, that he killed Guerrero to conceal her abduction and sexual assault and that the crime was "especially heinous."
A three-judge panel will decide whether to sentence Hessler to death or life in prison without parole.
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