By Associated Press - Tuesday, March 11, 2014

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) - Prosecutors are asking for the death penalty for a Cheyenne man convicted of killing two people and critically wounding a third.

During the opening of the penalty phase of Nathaniel Castellanos’ trial Monday, special prosecutor Michael Schafer said Castellanos’ killing of 25-year-old Megan McIntosh was “especially atrocious and cruel.” The Wyoming Tribune Eagle (https://bit.ly/1gn2aPm) reports that he said McIntosh raised her hand to defend herself and pleaded with him but he shot her in the head.

Jurors must be convinced of the presence of at least one aggravating factor - something that increases the cruelty of a crime - in order to sentence a defendant to death.

Defense lawyer Tina Olson told jurors that she respects the jury’s decision to convict Castellanos but she said they don’t have to sentence him to death.

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Information from: Wyoming Tribune Eagle, https://www.wyomingnews.com

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