Shawna Forde is eligible for death penalty
After deliberating just 45 minutes, the jurors in the Shawna Forde trial decided she is eligible for the death penalty.
This afternoon they’ll hear from Gina Gonzalez and her surviving daughter, followed by the start of several days of mitigating evidence Forde’s defense attorneys hope will convince them to spare her life.
The jury decided the death penalty ought to be on the table because:
* Forde intended the murders of Junior Flores and Brisenia Flores to take place.
* She was a major (not a minor) participant in the robbery of the Flores’ and the burglary of their home.
* Forde was convicted of other serious offenses yesterday.
* Forde’s motive was money.
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Kim Smith’s blog, At the Courthouse, is the place to check for frequent updates throughout the day. The “aggravation phase” is expected to take a few days.