The case of Jose Rios Rico, accused of killing Angela Pinkerton in 2003, had been a sparring point between federal Justice Department officials who favored the death penalty and former U.S. Attorney Paul Charlton, The Arizona Republic reported Wednesday.

Charlton contended the case against Rios Rico, 31, lacked the forensic evidence necessary for the death penalty but was overruled in 2006.

Shortly thereafter, Charlton was removed from his job.

Then-U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales testified that Charlton exhibited "poor judgment" in his hesitation to support capital punishment in the Rios Rico case.

Rios Rico pleaded guilty Tuesday to murder, drug and weapons charges in the Pinkerton slaying but will not receive the death penalty, his attorney says.

Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 23.