Prosecutors To Seek Death Penalty In Cleveland's East 87th Street Fire: According to an article by the News Net 5, prosecutors will seek the death penalty against 24-year-old Antun Lewis. Lewis was indicted in federal court last month. Lewis will not go on trial until the death penalty request is resolved. Federal prosecutors said Lewis broke into the East 87th Street home three years ago, doused it with gas and set it on fire, killing a woman and eight children inside.

Voters Oppose Prop. 5, Prop. 6, Support Prop. 9: Demian Bulwa, Chronicle staff writer reports that California voters opposed Prop 5 and Prop 6, while supporting Prop 9. Prop 5 would expand programs to divert drug addicts and nonviolent offenders from prison to rehabilitation. Opponents said the program was ripe for abuse. Prop 6 would require spending at least $965 million a year on programs for police, prosecutors, jails and juvenile lockups - a $365 million increase from current spending, according to the state's legislative analyst. Prop 9, however, backed by crime victims, held a significant lead. It would allow victims to speak at bail hearings and limit a defendant's ability to gain evidence from a victim before trial. The measure would also limit the release of inmates due to crowding. That could cost hundreds of millions of dollars a year, the legislative analyst said. Kent's post on the Propositions links you to the Cal SecState results.

Death Penalty For Ex-Con Who Killed Witness: An AP story reports that LA jurors have recommended the death penalty for an ex-con who murdered his former girlfriend after she accused him of raping her. The Superior Court jury returned its verdict Tuesday for 44-year-old Ruben Becerrada. Becerrada was convicted Sept. 29 of first-degree murder and kidnapping for the March 4, 2000, killing of Maria Arevalo. A prosecutor says Becerrada stabbed and strangled Arevalo because she was the only witness in a rape case against him.

Murder Suspect's Brother Tried Jail Break-In: An AP story reports that police say the brother of a murder suspect tried to break into jail when he refused to listen to jail guards who told him there were no visiting hours for prisoners on Monday. Thomas Walsh pleaded not guilty to trespassing and other charges Tuesday and was ordered held in lieu of $6,000 bail. Last week, Walsh's brother, William, was arrested on murder charges. Police said William killed his wife during a fight and then concocted an elaborate ruse to make it appear as though she were the victim of random roadside violence. William is due back in court today.