Neo-Nazi back in court in Florida killing

NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla., Dec. 6 (UPI) -- An admitted neo-Nazi whose first trial on a first-degree murder charge ended with a hung jury is on trial again in Florida's Pasco County.

John Ditullio, 24, is charged with stabbing Kristofer King and Patricia Wells at her New Port Richey home on March 23, 2006. Wells was wounded but escaped. King, 17, died of stab wounds in the head.

Ditullio's second trial opens Monday. Last year, a jury deadlocked at 10-2 for acquittal.

Ditullio's tattoos, including a swastika, will once again be covered with makeup to avoid prejudicing the jury, The Tampa Tribune reported.

In the first trial, prosecutors said Ditullio, wearing a gas mask, slashed Wells's face and stabbed King, who was trying to escape.

Prosecutors charged that Ditullio was trying to join a group called the American Nazis and sought to impress them by attacking Wells, who associated with a black man, and King, who was gay.

The defense acknowledged his links to the neo-Nazi group but Ditullio testified that he did not commit the crimes and was set up by other members.