>That typically occurs in the U.S. when the prosecution doesn't think they have a strong enough case to prove 1st degree murder. Did the prosecution go for 1st degree murder and the judge gave the jury the option to find him guilty of 1st degree or 2nd degree murder?

Yes and yes. I still can't fathom how you can find a man guilty of being a serial killer (he was found guilty of 6 murders so far and there are still a lot more to go) and come to the conclusion that he didn't plan any of them. They were all 'spur of the moment'? Seems inane to me.

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>>>Hi Al.
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>>>>Our local serial murderer has been found guilty of 6 (so far) of 26 murders.
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>>>What I don't understand is why is was found guilty of second degree murder. That means he murdered the women but didn't plan to do so. Huh? Maybe the first one, but how can you kill six women over a several year period and NOT plan it?
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>>>Doug
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>>You know, I was having exactly the same thoughts this morning. It has to be a first. A serial killer whose murders are not premeditated. Amazing! I have to wonder how he keeps finding himself in these strange situations over and over again.
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>>I was truly shocked when I saw the morning paper.