Judge delays sentencing in Alaska teen’s death
PALMER, Alaska (AP) – An Alaska judge has delayed sentencing for a man convicted in the killing of a 16-year-old high school classmate, citing concerns about the lack of a psychiatric evaluation.
The Anchorage Daily News reports 19-year-old Erick Almandinger was scheduled to be sentenced this week after a Palmer jury had found him guilty last year of first-degree murder, kidnapping and other counts in the death of David Grunwald.
Judge Gregory Heath said sentencing would be delayed until Almandinger’s defense attorney could respond in three weeks.
Attorney Jon Iannaccone had told the court that an evaluation wasn’t necessary because his client isn’t mentally ill and there are issues some risk assessments.
Dominic Johnson also has been convicted in the death of Grunwald, who was beaten and shot in November 2016.
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Information from: Anchorage Daily News, http://www.adn.com