Death sentence overturned in Robeson slaying

The state Supreme Court has overturned the death sentence handed down in a Robeson County woman's murder nine years ago.

Dane Locklear Jr. was convicted of killing Frances Persad, 45, in her Red Springs home in February 2000.

Supreme Court justices ruled that Locklear was mentally incompetent to be eligible for death and that jurors weren't told that clearly.

The ruling means Locklear will spend life in prison without the possibility of parole.