Joseph Edward Duncan is a serial murderer and rapist who thoroughly deserves his death sentence. His Murderpedia entry is here.
At one point, Duncan apparently understood himself that his sentence was just, and he declined to appeal it. His "standby counsel" filed a notice of appeal with no authority to do so. The capital defense bar apparently regards "volunteering" as per se proof of insanity, and lawyers regularly rush in and try to overrule any client who seeks to dismiss reviews of his death sentence.
Duncan later changed his mind, but too late. The District Court found that Duncan was mentally competent, struck the void notice filed by standby counsel, and denied Duncan's motion to withdraw his waiver. The Ninth Circuit affirmed. Today the U.S. Supreme Court denied the certiorari petition in Duncan v. United States, No. 15-6408.
At one point, Duncan apparently understood himself that his sentence was just, and he declined to appeal it. His "standby counsel" filed a notice of appeal with no authority to do so. The capital defense bar apparently regards "volunteering" as per se proof of insanity, and lawyers regularly rush in and try to overrule any client who seeks to dismiss reviews of his death sentence.
Duncan later changed his mind, but too late. The District Court found that Duncan was mentally competent, struck the void notice filed by standby counsel, and denied Duncan's motion to withdraw his waiver. The Ninth Circuit affirmed. Today the U.S. Supreme Court denied the certiorari petition in Duncan v. United States, No. 15-6408.
Great news!
I drafted the California death penalty complaint that was filed against this sadistic monster.
He is the "worst of the worst." And the sooner that he is executed (or killed in prison), the better.
Hearty congratulations to you, and thanks.