Death penalty remains an option in NM murder case

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - The death penalty remains an option for punishment in the case of a former Arizona inmate accused of killing a couple in New Mexico.
 
John McCluskey is charged with carjacking and murder in the deaths of Gary and Linda Haas of Tecumseh, Okla. Their remains were found with their burned-out camping trailer on an eastern New Mexico ranch.
 
A federal judge this month rejected McCluskey's arguments that the death penalty amounts to cruel and unusual punishment. A motion to exclude the testimony of informants and witnesses for the prosecution also was denied.
 
McCluskey was one of three people who authorities say escaped from a medium-security prison near Kingman, Ariz., in July 2010 and went on a multi-state crime spree.
 
The Arizona Court of Appeals recently upheld McCluskey's conviction and sentencing on escape and other state charges.

Follow this story:

• Judge throws out statements made by escaped inmate
• Arizona court taking up escaped inmate's appeal

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