Defense Tries to Save Boggess' Life

Lawyers for Todd Boggess pleaded for the convicted murderer's life Tuesday in a Durham Courtroom.

On Monday, the jury convicted the 21-year-old drifter of the 1995 beating death of Wilmington honor student Danny Pence. Pence was killed in northern Durham County.

Tuesday, the defense called relatives to explain how Boggess was abused as a child. They argued at trial that Boggess also suffered from drug use and depression that made unable to plan Pence's murder.

The sentencing phase could last several days.