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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- Mental health experts have differing views about the IQ of a man charged with capital murder -- a question that could determine whether prosecutors seek the death penalty in the case.
Floyd Eugene Maestas is charged with the beating, stabbing and strangulation death of Donna Lou Bott at her home in 2004.
He's pleaded not guilty to the crime and a trial is set to begin Friday.
In a hearing yesterday, a mental health professional said IQ tests and school records indicate Maestas suffers from mild mental retardation.
But another evaluator say that Maestas low IQ doesn't meet the standard in Utah law that protects those with significant, sub-average intellectual capabilities.
A decision in the matter is in the hand of 3rd District Judge Paul Maughan.
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Information from: Deseret Morning News
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
