BOISE, Idaho - A federal judge has delayed again the resumption of the sentencing hearing for convicted murderer Joseph Edward Duncan III.
U.S. District Judge Edward Lodge filed an order Monday granting a mental health expert two more weeks to determine whether the former Fargo man is competent to serve as his own attorney during the sentencing phase of his murder and kidnapping case.
Lodge says the extra time is needed to review the large volume of materials submitted in the case.
Lodge suspended the sentencing hearing in April after Duncan asked for permission to represent himself.
Duncan pleaded guilty in December to 10 federal charges related to the 2005 kidnapping of Dylan and Shasta Groene, and the slaying of Dylan.
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A jury will be asked to decide whether Duncan be put to death or spend life in prison for the crimes.
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