The sentencing hearing for a convicted killer who faces the death penalty has been postponed until Oct. 6.

A federal jury convicted Rejon Taylor, 24, earlier this month of murder, kidnapping and carjacking in relation to the 2003 death of an Atlanta restaurant owner who was kidnapped from his home, driven to Tennessee and shot to death on the side of a road in Collegedale.

On Oct. 6, the prosecution is scheduled to present evidence that Mr. Taylor had a “reckless disregard” for human life in order to convince the same jurors to give him the death penalty.

The defense is expected to put on evidence for at least five days that they believe will prove Mr. Taylor does not deserve to die for his crimes, including testimony from family and friends.

U.S. District Judge Curtis L. Collier questioned jurors individually this morning with regard to any exposure to the media they might have had throughout the three-week trial. Eighteen people sat in on the jury during the trial, six of whom were considered alternates.

The prosecution and defense requested the delay in order to evaluate jurors’ answers to Judge Collier’s questions, and the alternates are expected to be let go Oct. 6 when the proceeding resumes.

For complete detail, see tomorrow’s Chattanooga Times Free Press.

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