Bedford jury still deliberating

ALBUQUERQUE — An Albuquerque jury will enter its third day of deliberation today in the capital murder trial of Stanley Bedford, 43, of Portales.

Bedford, 43, faces eight charges, including two counts of murder and kidnapping in connection to the March 3, 2005 deaths of Odis and Doris Newman of Portales. The couple was discovered that morning in the trunk of their 1997 Lincoln Town Car, which was burned.

If convicted, Bedford could face the death penalty.

Opening arguments in the trial started May 31, with the prosecution taking seven days in its case against Bedford. The defense case took up Monday. Closing arguments were Tuesday.

If Bedford is found guilty of first-degree murder, the court will hold a penalty phase where the punishment of the death penalty would be argued.