Duncan’s Attorneys Want Delay Despite Harm To Shasta

oseph Duncan’s attorneys, in court papers, are now agreeing that further proceedings in the convicted killer’s case will have “collateral impact” on the lone surviving victim, young Shasta Groene. But they say Duncan’s sentencing proceedings must be delayed anyway. The defense wants the sentencing hearings, which will determine whether Duncan gets the death penalty on three federal charges, delayed until September. Federal prosecutors have only backed a delay to April, and Shasta’s court-appointed advocate told the court last week that all proceedings should be concluded by June so the young girl can have the summer to grieve, heal, and move on to middle school in the fall. Last week, the two sides reached a deal to spare Shasta from having to testify against Duncan, in exchange for delaying the sentencing hearing at least until April/ Betsy Russell , Eye On Boise. More here .