MIAMI, April 14 (UPI) -- Attorneys for convicted Florida rapist and killer William Lee Thompson say he should be spared the death penalty because he is mentally impaired.
At a hearing Monday in Miami-Dade Circuit Court, Thompson's lawyers presented evidence from his junior high school science teacher who testified that Thompson sent him letters from prison that included "decorative, almost child-like drawings," The Miami Herald reported.
Prosecutors seeking the death penalty, however, pointed to Thompson's obtaining a high school general equivalency certificate while a prisoner as evidence he isn't mentally disabled and thus constitutionally eligible for execution for the 1976 rape, torture and death of Sally Ivester, 23, in a North Dade County motel room.
The Florida Supreme Court ruled in February that Thompson deserved a hearing to determine whether he is mentally impaired, the newspaper said, adding that Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Jacqueline Hogan Scola is to hear additional testimony at an April 27 hearing before making a decision.
