Jury Back in Court for Mays Sentencing

Posted 11:00 a.m. May 25, 1998 — Updated 11:00 a.m. May 25, 1998

RALEIGH — All day Tuesday, experts such as psychologists, teachers took the witness stand in a Raleigh courtroom. All were defense witnesses, talking about how, as a child, convicted murderer Kawame Mays was polite and cooperative, but troubled by a learning disability. Some said Mays' frequent use of marijuana might also have been a contributing factor in his turnaround.

So far, the Mays trial has cost the state nearly $44,000. Victim advocates say that's small when compared to the emotional costs to victims' families. The emotional cost will undoubtedly be higher than usual for the family of Raleigh Police Det. Paul Hale.

The jury that convicted Kawame Mays in the murder of Michael Walker must now decide his punishment. Jurors returned to court Tuesday after deadlocking last week on whether Mays also killed Raleigh Police Detective Paul Hale.

Mays was convicted of first degree murder in connection with Walker's death last July. He is awaiting word now on whether he will be sentenced to life in prison or death for that crime.

The jury heard testimony Tuesday from defense witnesses about Mays' troubled childhood, including testimony from a psychologist about his serious learning disabilities.

While finding Mays guilty in Walker's death, they deadlocked by a vote of 11 to 1 on a verdict for Hale's death. The district attorney says he will re-try Mays for that crime.

Hale's family, while they must now wait even longer for closure for his death, were in the courtroom Tuesday listening to testimony in the sentencing phase for Walker's death.

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