The death penalty hearing continues for convicted spree killer Nikko Jenkins. He’s convicted of killing four people in August 2013. A three-judge panel will decide whether he will go to death row for his crimes.
Much of Tuesday's testimony in Douglas County District Court surrounded a history of violence, the brutal crimes, and an interview where Jenkins confessed to the murders.
Jenkins pleaded “No Contest” to killing Juan Pena, Jorge Ruiz, Curtis Bradford, and Andrea Kruger in a 10-day span in the summer of 2013 after being released from prison.
Prosecutors brought in two people who said they were carjacked at gunpoint by Jenkins before he went to prison as a teen more than 10 years ago.
Then OPD Det. Dave Schneider testified as to how they were able to connect the senseless killings in August 2013. He also described the September 2013 police interview that lasted 8 hours where Jenkins confessed to the killings.
“He was very specific about things that only someone who was there would know,” Det. Schneider explained.
Douglas Co. Public Defender Tom Riley argued the confession violated Jenkins' constitutional rights.
Tuesday afternoon it was the convicted spree killer's turn to defend himself. Jenkins started a 40 minute statement where he said the judge, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and investigators were biased against him. He claimed officers planted evidence to match their theory saying the bullets found in his duffel bag didn't match the ones found at the crime scenes. He also said the evidence showed the motive didn't point to robbery.
On multiple occasions Jenkins said he was prepared to be questioned by Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine.
“Here’s your opportunity Don Kleine, for the victim’s family, to ask me all kinds of questions. I’m ready,” Jenkins told Kleine.
When asked by Judge Peter Bataillon if he had any questions for Jenkins, Kleine said, “No thanks your honor. I don’t have any questions.”
“Are you serious?” Jenkins rebuked.
Jenkins says he's innocent but he confessed to the killings because he wanted to get his mother out of trouble, since she had been arrested.
He later asked if he could be excused for the rest of the hearing and go back to Lincoln. Judge Bataillon told him to sleep on it, and he'll revisit the request on Wednesday.
