One day for Nifong. AP reports here.

Construction resumes on the execution chamber at San Quentin, after the California Legislature finally passed the budget, Reuters reports.

The Supreme Court has issued the last of its summer orders lists. Nothing interesting.

Norman Hsu, the big time political fundraiser who "forgot" to show up for sentencing for theft in California, has turned himself in, Paul Elias reports for AP. Bail is $2M. Unlike the typical megabuck bail, this defendant might actually post it with his own money.

Attorneys Dispute Robbery Charges for Killer Taking Body Parts
AP reports on the bizarre case of Sean Vincent Gillis. He is facing first degree murder charges, which could end in the death penalty, for killing eight women between 1994 and 2004 pending prosecutors' proof of aggravating circumstances. The prosecution states that the death of one of the women, Donna Johnston, meets the definition because Gillis took one of the victim’s arms and a tattoo from one of her legs. The Crime Library has chronicled this serial killer’s murderous rampage here. Note to Louisiana Legislature: killing more than one person should be death-eligible by itself.

Manson Follower is Denied Parol for 18th Time
The Associated Press reports here that Leslie Van Houten, who was convicted of murder and conspiracy for her role in the 1969 slayings of Leno and Rosemary La Bianca, was denied parole for the 18th time. Van Houten, now 58, will not be allowed to petition for release until 2009.

Crime and Punishment in Sin City
Larry McShane of AP reports that a new series, "Sin City Law" airing on Mondays starting September 10 on the Sundance Channel. The series will cover four cases and offers a harrowing tour of the Clark County legal system documentary-style, delving into the stories as seen by the various participants: the prosecutors, the public defenders, the killers, the victims, family members, investigators and includes Courtroom footage. "Unlike the typical TV crime show, the true-life crime dramas aren't neatly wrapped up — everything is messy, from the crimes to the conclusions. A life sentence is considered a victory; are there any winners when a death sentence is imposed?"