Convicted murderer asks jurors to flip a coin to determine his fate

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Convicted murderer asks jurors to flip a coin to determine his fate

coin toss
S.F. Examiner file photo
Burris told jurors to toss a coin to determine whether he will get life in prison or the death penalty.

The man convicted of killing two people at a Bay Area toll plaza says he doesn't care if he gets the death penalty or life in prison and has suggested jurors deciding his fate flip a coin.

Nathan Burris made the comments during a hearing last week in the penalty phase of his trial.

The 49-year-old Burris was convicted earlier in the week of fatally shooting Deborah Ross and her friend, Ersie Everette III, at the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge toll plaza in 2009.

Prosecutors say Burris thought they were romantically involved. He had previously been in a relationship with Ross.

Burris represented himself during the trial, telling jurors he was guilty and urging them to convict him quickly so he could see "Monday Night Football" at the jailhouse.

Testimony in the penalty phase is set to resume Tuesday.

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URL: http://www.sfexaminer.com/local/crime/2012/11/convicted-murderer-asks-jurors-flip-coin-determine-his-fate