"Nevada high court overturns death penalty conviction in Las Vegas rape, slaying case from 1985," is the AP report, via the Daily Journal.
The court ruled 4-3 that a Clark County District Court judge should have allowed defense attorneys to argue against excusing a black prospective juror during Charles Reese Conner's trial in the slaying of 23-year-old Beth Lynn Jardine.
It wasn't clear Thursday if prosecutors would seek a new trial or offer Conner a plea deal. Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson didn't immediately respond to messages.
Clark County Public Defender Philip Kohn noted Conner's age and deteriorating health and said he hoped an agreement could be reached. Defense attorneys noted that Conner had been willing to plead guilty in 2010 in return for a chance at life in prison without parole.
Related posts are in the race category index. More on Batson v. Kentucky, the 1986 Supreme Court ruling, is via Oyez.
Earlier coverage from Nevada begins at the link.
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