By Andy Furillo
afurillo@sacbee.com
The penalty phase of Aaron Norman Dunn's murder trial got under way today with the jury set to decide whether the Elk Grove spree killer will be sentenced to death or life in prison without parole.
Sacramento Superior Court Judge Michael W. Sweet told the panel that among the factors it must consider is whether Dunn's ability to consider the impact of the March 25, 2006, rampage that killed two men was impaired by "mental defect" or intoxication.
Defense lawyers Amy Rogers and Hayes Gable III put on evidence during the guilt phase of the trial that Dunn shot and killed Jon Johnson, 46, and Michael John Daly, 45, while he was in a methamphetamine-induced psychotic state.
Deputy District Attorney Scott Triplett put on four witnesses this morning in his case that he said could wrap up by the end of the day.
The prosecution witnesses included a bouncer in a Yuba City bar who testified about getting assaulted while breaking up a fight in 2005. The bouncer, Sandee Bassi, did not specifically identify Dunn as one of the men who assaulted him.
Another witness, William Alejandro Garza, said that Dunn was in a group of four youths that assaulted him while he was walking home from Marysville High School in 1993.
Garza said that Dunn said "What"s up? C'mon, punk," moments before he was attacked. Garza said Dunn kicked him in the face and chipped a tooth during the attack.
A former Sacramento jail deputy said he found an object during a November 2008 search of Dunn's cell that the officer believed to be a weapon.
The item was a plastic bag stuffed with wet, wadded up newspaper tied to a string. Defense lawyers contended the object was a jail communication device used to pass notes.
Another deputy testified that he saw Dunn get into a fight with another inmate at the jail.
Relatives of the victims are expected to testify later today about the impact of the killings on their lives.
The defense is scheduled to put on its evidence next week.
Call The Bee's Andy Furillo, (916) 321-1141.
Previous coverage:
Jury convicts man of gunning down 2 in Elk Grove - April 14, 2010
Jury deliberating fate of double-murder defendant Aaron Norman Dunn - April 13, 2010
Prosecutor, doctor spar over Elk Grove murder defendant's actions - April 8, 2010
Prosecutor eager to attack psychiatrist in Elk Grove shooting spree trial - April 7, 2010
Meth psychosis cited in killings; defendant's words cast doubt - April 6, 2010
Elk Grove cop testifies how she and partner stopped deadly rampage - March 17, 2010
Witnesses tell of lives shattered in deadly Elk Grove shooting spree - March 12, 2010
Prosecutor, defense attorneys agree suspect killed two people in Elk Grove - March 10, 2010
Elk Grove residents eligible for murder case jury - Dec. 11, 2009
Prosecutor's bid for Placer DA could stall trial for double killing - Dec. 2, 2009
Homicide suspect's lawyers don't want any Elk Grove jurors - Aug. 11, 2009
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