Man asks jury to spare his parents' killer

MARTINEZ, Calif., Nov. 3 (UPI) -- A young California man asked a jury to spare his uncle's life, saying Edward Wycoff killed his sister and brother-in-law because he is "mentally childish."

Eric Rogers, 21, testified Monday in the penalty phase of Wycoff's trial. Wycoff, 40, was convicted last week in Contra Costa Superior Court of killing Julie Rogers, 47, and her husband, Paul Rogers, 48, in their home in El Cerrito in 2006.

Outside the court, Rogers said a judge had ruled he could not tell the jury his parents were opposed to the death penalty.

"Killing and hatred is something I associate with my uncle, not my parents," he told reporters.

In court he had harsh words for his uncle.

"I think it would be wrong for you to get the death penalty," Rogers said. "You, specifically, because you are mentally childish and immature for your age."

Wycoff later told the jury his nephew was a "real man" and took credit for his testimony.

"I did a good job getting rid of his parents," Wycoff said.

Prosecutors said Wycoff killed his sister and her husband, both lawyers, because he thought they were too liberal and he wanted to adopt their three children.