Alleged Kensington Strangler could escape death penalty
Antonio Rodriguez’s mental capacity could prevent him from facing the death penalty in the rape, murder and other charges against him.
Known as the Kensington Strangler, Rodriguez previously confessed to the crimes and identified the victims after police used DNA evidence to file charges earlier this year. Rodriguez is charged with raping and killing three women in Kensington late last year.
Philadelphia Weekly reports Judge Benjamin Lerner today cited a 2002 Supreme Court ruling that prevents the cruel and unusual of the “mentally retarded.” Rodriguez is still in a psychiatric unit.
The next court date is Oct. 18.
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