Joseph Edward Duncan III Sentenced to Death
A federal jury in Boise, Idaho deliberated only three hours before voting to sentence convicted killer and sex offender Joseph Edward Duncan III for the kidnapping, torture, sexual assault and murder of 9-year-old Dylan Groene. The jury's recommendation is binding upon Judge Edward Lodge, who immediately sentenced Duncan to death.Duncan showed no reaction when the verdict was announced.
Duncan killed Dylan's mother, older brother and his mother's boyfriend so that he could kidnap Dylan and his then 8-year-old sister Shasta, who survived the ordeal. Duncan tortured and sexually assaulted both children at remote campsites in the Montana wilderness.
Relatives of the victims remained somber after the sentence was handed down.
"We're happy with the verdict, but it's a shame - this should have been limited to one death," said Steven Groene, father of Dylan and Shasta. "He should have had the courage and the guts to kill himself before killing anyone else."
No Argument From Duncan
During closing arguments, federal prosecutors asked the jurors to vote for the death penalty.
"This defendant is dangerous. He is a predator who takes pride in his work," prosecutor Traci Whelan said. "He earned this day. His actions ... call out for the death penalty."
Acting as his own attorney, Duncan offered no response to the prosecution's closing argument.
"I have no argument," he told the court.
See Also:
Death for Man Who Kidnapped, Murdered Idaho Boy
Grieving Family Testifies at Sentencing Hearing
Closing Arguments in Duncan Case
Photo: Mug Shot
Comments
Death is definitely too easy for Joseph Duncan. This is not a case where 10 or 15 years from now he will be found innocent through some scientific testing. Where is the cage, the chains, and the mask from “Silence of the Lamb” That would be appropriate! FOR LIFE!!
I agree, death is too easy for Joseph Duncan …
Torture (in any form) and make him suffer while living in detention for as long as he made his victims suffer.
When he’s dead let him rot in hell!
May his justice be found in the pits of HELL. The sooner this beast is out of this world and into the fire the better.
Please your honorable Judge Edward Lodge
sentence Duncan to death A.S.A.P. He is a devil a monster in human form. I say let
the prisoners torture him and have their way with him first then fry him so he can reunite
with the devil.
This case has tormented me to the point of physical pain. To imagine for one moment what those two children suffered. It’s unspeakable!I believe justice was served, although I’ll catch myself wishing harm upon him each and every 10,000 times a day the case pops into my mind. But, from what I’m told….pedofiles and child molestors are not treated well in jail.He’ll definitely get his. God bless Shasta and her father as well as Mrs. Groene (grand mother). May the Lord bless you all richly and help you to rebuild your lives and your faith. We all love you!