death penalty

Connecticut court bars execution of 11 death row inmates

In a sharply divided 4-3 ruling, the court declared the death penalty violates the state's constitution, "no longer comports with contemporary standards of decency and no longer serves any legitimate penological purpose."

Holmes jury keeps execution as option as sentencing advances

The decision clears the way for a last plea from both sides, including what is expected to be gripping and emotional testimony from victims about the harm and suffering Holmes caused with his slaughter.

After those arguments, the jury will make its final decision on whether the 27-year-old should die by lethal injection or spend the rest of his life in prison.

Holmes jury decides whether to keep execution as an option

The jury deliberated for less than three hours, starting Thursday after Holmes' parents made an emotional plea to spare their son's life because he is mentally ill. A court spokesman said the decision will be announced at 12:30 p.m. MDT.

Not guilty plea in federal court for church shooting suspect

During a brief arraignment in federal court, defense attorney David Bruck said that he couldn't advise his client, Dylann Roof, to enter a guilty plea without knowing the government's intentions.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Bristow Marchant then entered a not guilty plea for Roof, 21, who faces federal charges including hate crimes, weapons charges and obstructing the practice of religion.