Jury Recommends Death for Man Who Murdered His Son
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CLAYTON, Mo. — A jury Wednesday recommended that Dr. John Dale Cavaness die in the gas chamber for murdering his son to collect more than $148,000 in insurance benefits.
The jurors had found Cavaness, 60, guilty of first-degree murder Tuesday night, then heard arguments on whether the doctor should die or be sentenced to life in prison without parole.
Cavaness, a general practitioner from southern Illinois, showed no emotion as the recommendation was read. He was convicted of killing his son, Sean, 22, last Dec. 13 with two shots to the head. St. Louis County Circuit Judge Drew W. Luten Jr. did not set a sentencing date.
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