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SPRING, Texas — Attorneys say a 36-year-old Utah man charged with shooting six members of a suburban Houston family two years ago will face the death penalty when he goes on trial for capital murder set for next year.
Ronald Haskell wasn't in court Friday as prosecutors and defense lawyers disclosed the trial plans during a court hearing.
Haskell is jailed without bond and charged with fatally shooting Stephen and Katie Stay and four of their children. A fifth and oldest child, 15-year-old Cassidy, also was shot but survived by playing dead during the July 2014 rampage at her home in Spring.
Authorities have said Haskell was trying to find his estranged ex-wife, who is Katie Stay's sister.
Haskell's lawyer, Doug Durham, says Haskell's mental health issues likely will be part of the defense.