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Sentencing For Murder Conviction Monday

The Albuquerque jury that convicted Arizona prisoner John McCluskey of murdering a retired Oklahoma couple after an Arizona prison break will return Monday to decide whether he should be sentenced to death or life in prison.

The trial's penalty phase is expected to last weeks.

Filings in the case since McCluskey was convicted Oct. 7 indicate much of the testimony could center on his psychological state. Family members of the victims are expected to be called to push for the death sentence.

The 48-year-old John McCluskey was convicted of murder, carjacking and other charges in the August 2010 deaths of Gary and Linda Haas of Tecumseh, Okla.

They were making their annual summer trek to Colorado when they crossed paths with McCluskey and two other fugitives seeking a better vehicle.

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