Associated Press
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PRATTVILLE, Ala. (AP) — An Autauga County jury deliberated 36 minutes before returning a death sentence recommendation in the capital murder trial of 22-year-old Justin Tyler Hosch.
The jury convicted Hosch on Wednesday of capital murder in the shooting death of 49-year-old Joey Willmore. It voted 10-2 to recommend the death penalty.
The auto repair shop owner was killed after Hosch escaped from the Frank Lee Youth Center in Deatsville, where he was serving time for possessing marijuana and receiving stolen property.
Prosecutors told the jury Willmore was killed so Hosch could steal his 1989 Chevrolet pickup to aid in his escape.
A judge will pronounce the sentence on Oct. 14.
