Judge Orders Gage Relatives To Avoid Threats Against Bentley
Convicted Killer's Sentencing Set For Feb. 24
POSTED: 7:59 am CST February 18,
2006
UPDATED: 10:23 am CST February 18,
2006
IOWA CITY, Iowa -- A judge has warned the family of 10-year-old Jetseta Gage not to threaten Roger Bentley when he is sentenced next week for killing the girl.District Judge Patrick Grady cautioned that anyone who ignores his instructions could be charged with contempt of court or removed from the courtroom.Earlier this month, a jury convicted Bentley in the high-profile abduction and murder of the Cedar Rapids girl.Bentley, a 38-year-old registered sex offender, faces two mandatory life terms and is scheduled to be sentenced Feb. 24 in Johnson County District Court.
As in most sentencing hearings for violent crimes, relatives of the victim have an opportunity to address the court and the offender. But Grady's order is designed to regulate how and what Gage's relatives can say to Bentley.
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