[Deathpenalty] death penalty news----NEVADA

[Rick Halperin]

June 19



NEVADA:

Court upholds death penalty for man in killing of ex-girlfriend



The Nevada Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the death penalty for James 
Chappell, who was mistakenly released from prison in Las Vegas and then raped 
and stabbed to death his ex-girlfriend, who was the mother of his 3 children.

Chappell maintained that his defense attorney at the penalty hearing had failed 
to properly prepare witnesses and that the prosecution made errors that merited 
overturning of the death penalty.

He was convicted of 1st-degree murder, robbery and sexual assault in the death 
of Deborah Panos in August 1995. His 1st death sentence was overturned by a 
District Court judge. A 2nd penalty hearing delivered the same death penalty.

Chappell, according to court records, was erroneously released by officers from 
prison, where he was serving a term for domestic battery. He went to Panos' 
home, climbed through a window and attacked her, according to court records.

(source: Associated Press)