Item: Judge may let Duncan act as his own attorney: The confessed killer and rapist would have to pass a mental competency evaluation/Patrick Orr, Idaho Statesman.

More Info: Confessed killer Joseph E. Duncan III likely will be allowed to act as his own attorney in his upcoming death penalty hearing - a decision that could further delay the start of the sentencing. This could put Duncan in the position to cross-examine Shasta Groene, the sole survivor of a spree of murder, sexual abuse and abduction that led to the 10 federal crimes Duncan pleaded guilty to in December.

Related: Charles Manson tried this stunt, too/Betsy Russell, SR Eye On Boise; andd: Orbusmax: Crime victims appalled at prospect

DFO: I can't think of a question to ask here. I'm horrified by the idea that Duncan could be trying to maneuver court proceedings to allow himself one more conversation with his victim. I would rather see a plea bargain that allowed the perv murdered to be sentenced to life without possibility of parole rather than execution -- to prevent Shasta Groene from ever dealing with this monster again.

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