USA - Idaho. Maxwell Hoffman, who spent nearly 20 years on Idaho's death row, was resentenced today to life in prison without parole

Maxwell Hoffman, who spent nearly 20 years on Idaho's death row, was resentenced today to life in prison without parole by 3rd District Judge Gregory Culet. Hoffman was convicted of 1st-degree murder in the 1988 slaying of 28-year-old Denise Williams, a police drug informant. He was sent to death row on June 8, 1989, but on July 5, 2006 (see) the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ordered the resentencing. Hoffman has filed several appeals over the years. His resentencing stemmed from the contention that his lawyers improperly failed to present any mitigating evidence during his original sentencing, specifically about his mental status. U..S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill ordered the state to either release Hoffman or resentence him. The prosecutor says records indicate Hoffman has tested as borderline retarded throughout his life. A recent test showed him to be mildly retarded. (source: Associated Pres)