Prosecutor urges California jury to recommend death for convicted serial killer

Prosecutor urges death for Calif. serial killer

SANTA ANA, Calif. — A prosecutor has asked an Orange County jury to recommend death for serial killer Rodney Alcala.

Deputy District Attorney Matt Murphy told jurors during closing arguments Tuesday that Alcala was an “evil monster” who knows he has done wrong and doesn’t care.

A defense psychiatrist testified that Alcala, who claims he can’t remember some of his actions, has a borderline personality disorder.

The jury is hearing arguments in the penalty phase of the trial. Alcala could face death or life in prison without the chance of parole.

The 66-year-old amateur photographer was convicted last month of raping, torturing and killing four women and a 12-year-old girl in the late 1970s.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP) — A man convicted of killing four California women and a 12-year-old girl in the late 1970s will get a chance to plead for his life as closing arguments are held in the penalty phase of his murder trial.

Jurors can recommend death or life without parole for the 66-year-old Rodney Alcala, who is representing himself.

The amateur photographer was convicted of the murders last month. He had been sentenced to death twice before for the slaying of 12-year-old Robin Samsoe, but the convictions were overturned on appeal.

In the latest trial, an Orange County jury found special circumstances that Alcala raped and tortured his victims. That makes him eligible for the death penalty.

Closing arguments begin Tuesday morning in Santa Ana.