Live from the courtroom: The serial killer who stalked the Valley for more than a year officially waived his opportunity today to present evidence that could convince a jury to spare his life. Dale Hausner, nicknamed the “Serial Shooter,” began the final phase of his marathon murder trial this morning by telling the judge he wanted to give up the chance to defend himself against the death penalty.
Hausner was convicted earlier this month in a downtown Phoenix courtroom of six murders and 74 other crimes in a killing spree that lasted more than 12 months during 2005 and 2006. On Tuesday, the jury that convicted him also ruled that he is eligible under Arizona law to face the death penalty.
Hausner’s defense attorney, Ken Everett, also told Judge Roland Steinle this morning that his client has instructed the legal team to stay quiet when they have the chance to argue for a life sentence. “That is over our objection as well,” Everett said.
The 36-year-old Hausner has reserved his right to speak to the jury before they decide whether he should be put to death. It’s still unclear whether he plans to use this opportunity.