Convicted NH killer returns to court

MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) — Lawyers for a New Hampshire man who was 17 when he wielded a machete during a Mont Vernon home invasion — killing a 42-year-old mother and maiming her 11-year-old daughter — are returning to court for a scheduling session on his bid for a reduced sentence.

Steven Spader — who was convicted of hacking to death Kimberly Cates and wounding her daughter, Jaimie, in 2009— is citing a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that mandatory life sentences for those under 18 are cruel and unusual punishment.

Wednesday's hearing is a scheduling conference only, but should provide insight into whether his lawyers will seek to introduce expert psychiatric testimony.

Robert Tulloch — convicted of killing two Dartmouth professors in 2001 when he was 17 — may also seek a reduced sentence.

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