House approves broader use of death penalty

Without a single objection, the House said anyone convicted of murdering a child under 14 should be eligible for the death penalty.

The bill by Rep. Carl Wimmer, R-Herriman, has been criticized by death-penalty opponents, who want Utah to join other states in restricting or eliminating capital punishment.

Wimmer said he's frustrated by Utah's sentencing rules, which can lead to parole for some killers after many years.

"Prosecutors can seek the death penalty or they can seek life in prison without parole," Wimmer said in explaining his bill Tuesday.

Maryland, New Jersey and Washington are considering eliminating the death penalty or limiting its use.

In the Utah House, Wimmer's legislation passed, 72-0. It now moves to the Senate, where little opposition is anticipated.

Gov. Jon Huntsman supports the death penalty but has said he's not ready to take a position on expanding it. He typically declines to comment on pending legislation.

Another death-penalty bill by Rep. Paul Ray, R-Clearfield, is also advancing through the Legislature. It calls for death in cases where a child is killed during an act of abuse, sexual assault or kidnapping.

In the recent case of a 10-year-old girl who was terribly abused, Davis County prosecutors said they did not seek the death penalty against her father because they could not prove that he intended to kill Shelby Andrews.

Ryan Andrews, 38, was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison.