USA - California. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has overturned the death sentence of Terry Bemore

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has overturned the death sentence of Terry Bemore, a man convicted in the slaying of a man nearly 30 years ago. The Court ruled that Bemore's attorney failed to properly investigate Bemore's mental health and present those findings to jurors to try to spare him the death penalty. The court said the attorney had been told that Bemore, 59, Black, had suffered manic-like episodes and was a heavy drug user. Bemore was sentenced to death in San Diego County on November 2, 1989 for the robbery-murder of Kenneth Muck, 55, a clerk at a liquor store. The crime occurred on August 26, 1985 in San Diego. Prosecutors have the option to again seek the death penalty.