BRENTWOOD, N.H. – Jurors were to begin deciding Wednesday whether convicted murderer John Brooks should be sentenced to death or life in prison.
In closing arguments Wednesday, the prosecution said the death penalty was warranted because of the violent nature of the crime, the efforts made to cover it up and Brooks' lack of remorse.
The defense asked the jury to spare Brooks' life because he had done some good, like protecting his family from his violent, alcoholic father as a child. They also pointed to Brooks' musical talent and his invention of a patented surgical tray as reasons for mercy.
The prosecution said these factors are not enough to outweigh the heinous nature of Brooks' crime.
Brooks was found guilty last month for hiring three men to kidnap and kill Derry trash hauler Jack Reid.
Brooks could become the first person executed in the state since 1939.
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