The federal jurors, who watched video of some of the sexual abuse and torture Duncan inflicted on Dylan Groene, 9, deliberated for just three hours. The Associated Press reports that the jurors' recommendation was binding on U.S. District Judge Edward Lodge, who thanked them, dismissed them and then sentenced Joseph Edward Duncan III to death. "The jury speaks the mind of the community," U.S. Attorney Tom Moss told reporters later. "By the verdict today, they have given voice to the victims."
After kidnapping Dylan and his sister Shasta, who was then 8, from their Coeur d'Alene-area home he took them to a remote campsite in western Montana where he raped, tortured and threatened them. He later shot Dylan in the head and burned his body. Duncan videotaped some of the brutality, which became evidence the jurors viewed. "This defendant is dangerous. He is a predator who takes pride in his work," prosecutor Traci Whelan said. "He earned this day. His actions...call out for the death penalty."
Duncan was arrested and Shasta rescued when the two were recognized by a sharp-eyed waitress while they were eating at a Denny's in Coeur d'Alene. She called police. Duncan pleaded guilty to 10 federal charges that involved the kidnappings and Dylan's murder. He pleaded guilty to the other three murders in state court, where he also could be sentenced to death, reports AP. "I am so glad this is over. Justice has been served," said Darlene Torres, Brenda Groene's mother. "It's been very painful." She said that when she saw Duncan in court, "I seen nothing but an evil, empty, coldhearted shell."
