Jury Recommends Death For Young Killer

A 20-year-old man convicted last month of robbing, beating and stabbing a 65-year-old woman to death is one step closer to receiving the death penalty for his crime.

The jury that found Randall Deviney guilty of first-degree murder in the 2008 death of Delores Futrell returned to the courtroom Thursday to hear witnesses for the prosecution and the defense before being asked to recommend a sentence.

Deviney's parents -- who were convicted of murder themselves in the death of Deviney's older brother -- said their son had a tough life and asked that his life be spared.

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Prosecutors told the jury Deviney killed Futrell in a fit of rage when she brought up his criminal past. At the time of the murder, Deviney was out of jail awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to burglary.

Futrell's family testified that there was no excuse for the killing of their loved one.

Futrell was Deviney's disabled neighbor and baby-sat for him when he was young.

Deviney showed little emotion as the jury returned from deliberations with a 10-2 recommendation that he be executed for his crime.

Futrell's family said they were happy with the recommendation.

The jury's recommendation will be reviewed by Circuit Judge Mallory Cooper, who will formally sentence Deviney next month.

Previous Story:

• March 4, 2010: Man Guilty Of Killing 65-Year-Old Woman
• September 1, 2008: DNA Evidence Leads To Victim's Neighbor
• August 6, 2008: Police Suspect Foul Play In Woman's Death