Duncan gets death penalty for murder of Idaho boy

BOISE — Joseph Edward Duncan III has been sentenced to death for the 2005 kidnapping, torture and murder of a northern Idaho boy.

A federal jury deliberated just three hours before reaching the unanimous verdict. The jurors' recommendation was binding on U.S. District Judge Edward Lodge, who thanked them, dismissed them and then issued the sentence.

Duncan faced the death penalty on three of 10 federal charges related to the kidnapping and murder of Dylan Groene. He pleaded guilty to all 10 counts in December, and last week the jury unanimously decided that Duncan was eligible for the death penalty.

Groene's relatives remained somber as the jury's decision was announced. Duncan showed no reaction, but he did smile as the verdict was passed to the judge.

Duncan may now be brought to Riverside County, Calif., to face a murder charge there for the 1997 slaying of 10-year-old Anthony Martinez.

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