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PROVO, Utah (AP) -- Sentencing of Seth Rollins Broomhead for the drug-related slayings of two people has been delayed while he rethinks the plea deal that spared him a possible death sentence.
Family members of the victims had expected that the 21-year-old Riverton man would be sentenced Wednesday to life in prison without parole,
The was the sentence agreed upon in a Feb. 5 plea deal.
In exchange for Broomhead's pleading guilty to aggravated murder in the June 2003 slayings of Maritza Aguilar, 22, and Pablo Montoya, 20, prosecutors agreed not to seek the death penalty.
Judge Samuel McVey on Wednesday granted the defense a 30-day continuance.
"Sometimes if we rush these matters, it's not fair to everyone," he told the relatives. "I recognize you've come here today to see some closure."
Montoya and Aguilar, both of Provo, were shot at an Orem tree nursery as they sat in the front seat of Aguilar's car, in which police found 9 ounces of cocaine.
Broomfield's roommate testified at the preliminary hearing that Broomhead had called Aguilar earlier that day and asked to buy cocaine from Montoya. He said Broomhead decided to steal the cocaine.
Prosecutor Tim Taylor said that if the defense files a motion to withdraw or appeals Broomhead's guilty pleas, the prosecution will take the case to trial.
He said Broomhead can withdraw his plea before the sentencing, but "he has to show a good cause."
"Our offer is life in prison without parole," Taylor said. "We feel we have a good case."
Juanita Elizarrarza, Aguilar's aunt, said after the hearing that family members had thought the hearing would be the final step in a very long ordeal.
"It's been hard," she said. "(Broomhead) is playing with everyone."
(Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
