07/08/08

A federal judge has again delayed the resumption of the sentencing hearing for convicted murderer Joseph Edward Duncan III.

US District Judge Edward Lodge has filed an order granting a mental health expert 2 more weeks to determine whether Duncan is competent to serve as his own attorney.

Lodge suspending the sentencing hearing in April after Duncan asked for permission to represent himself.

Duncan pleaded guilty in December to 10 federal charges related to the 2005 kidnapping of Dylan and Shasta Groene - and the slaying of Dylan.

A jury will decide whether Duncan should be put to death - or spend life in prison for the crimes.