A California homicide suspect representing himself told jurors he has "no remorse, no regrets, no mercy" after allegedly killing his girlfriend and her friend.
Nathan Burris, 49, of Oakland, Calif., told jurors Monday he'd appreciate a snappy conviction so he can get back to prison in time for "Monday Night Football." The Contra Costa County Superior Court failed to oblige and his seven-day trial wore on, the San Francisco Chronicle reported Monday.
Burris has admitted he killed his live-in girlfriend, Deborah Ross and her friend Ersie Everette III, at his very first court appearance, when he tried pleading guilty at his arraignment. A judge balked, citing a California law that doesn't allow an initial guilty plea to a capital murder charge.
In his present trial, Burris has repeatedly told jurors he deserves to be convicted.
"I did it. So what?" Burris told jurors under cross-examination by veteran prosecutor Harold Jewett. "No remorse, no regrets, no mercy. ... You want me to draw it out in crayon?"
Jewett tried prodding Burris' motive for his unusual admissions, asking him whether his father would be proud of his behavior.
Burris didn't take the bait.
"This isn't Sesame Street," Burris said, referring to the jury. "They get it, bro."
Depending on the outcome of a voter referendum on the death penalty, California voters may spare Burris a death sentence. If voters don't repeal capital punishment, Burris may face the death penalty if convicted of the killings.
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