Death penalty jury sends 1st note of the week

HONOLULU — Jurors weighing the fate of a former soldier facing the death penalty for the murder of his 5-year-old daughter have sent the judge their first note of the week.

The deliberating jury sent a note to the judge Thursday asking about one of the mitigating factors the defense presented as reasons to spare Naeem Williams’ life.

Jurors must consider factors the prosecution argues are reasons to justify a death sentence. They must also consider reasons the defense gives for sentencing him to life in prison without possibility for release.

Their question relates to the defense’s suggestion that the jury should show Williams mercy.

U.S. District Judge J. Michael Seabright replied with a note saying each juror should consider the issue individually.

Deliberations resume Friday.