1982 killer gets second life sentence

Convicted killer David Mitchell will be sentenced to an additional life sentence without the possibility of parole for the 1982 murder of Sheila Jo Harris, District Court Judge James T. Russell ordered.

Mitchell, 63, was convicted in August 2007 of one count of first degree murder with use of a deadly weapon, following a two-week jury trial and penalty phase.

The jury sentenced Mitchell to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder charge and the trial judge imposed an additional consecutive sentence of eight to 20 years for the use of a deadly weapon.

The enhancement was in line with a 2007 Legislative change which limited enhancement sentences to a maximum of 20 years in prison instead of the previous law that the enhancement would double the sentence.

In 2008, the Nevada Supreme Court ruled that enhancement's should not apply retroactively.

Since Mitchell's crime was committed prior the law change, Judge Russell ordered that Mitchell be sentenced to life without the possibility of parole for plus a consecutive sentence of life without the possibility of parole.

Mitchell, a native of Trinidad, is currently serving his sentence at the Ely State Prison.