Plea doesn't excuse Hancock County man from death penalty
Dan Ramsey (center) entering courthouse Wednesday, where he pleaded guilty to double murder.
/ KHQA/Rajah Maples
LEWISTOWN, IL -- The man accused of killing two girls in Hancock County more than 10 years ago has pleaded guilty.
Twenty-nine-year-old Dan Ramsey entered the plea Wednesday in a Lewistown, Ill., courtroom.
Ramsey is on trial for a shooting spree killing 16-year-old Laura Marson and 12-year-old Lonna Sloop.
Three others were seriously hurt, including his ex-girlfriend and two toddlers.
Ramsey was convicted and sentenced to death for the crimes in 1997.
But in 2000, the Illinois Supreme Court overturned that ruling on a legal technicality.
Opening statements were supposed to begin Wednesday afternoon, but the judge immediately recessed after the new jurors were sworn in.
The plea deal doesn't excuse Ramsey from the death penalty. Prosecutors will seek the death penalty and a jury will begin hearing evidence tomorrow to determine whether he's eligible.
The minimum sentence he faces is life in prison.
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