By AP/KWMU
Clayton, MO – A jury in Clayton on Tuesday said 26-year old Johnny Johnson should be executed for killing six-year old Casey Williamson after trying to rape her.
The girl's body was found after a seven hour search after she was taken from her home in Valley Park on July 26, 2002.
His lawyers, though, say Johnson is mentally ill and should not die. But mental health experts say his illness is not serious enough to prevent him from knowing right from wrong.
The jury delivered for about 7 1/2 hours Tuesday before returning its verdict around 10:40 p.m. The same jury on Monday found Johnson guilty of first-degree murder, armed criminal action, kidnapping and attempted rape.
Johnson carried the girl to an old glass factory where he tried to rape her. He beat her to death with bricks after she resisted his attempts so she would not be able to tell on him.
Johnson will be formally sentenced on March 7.