Jury sentences Arizona inmate to death for killing cellmate

PHOENIX (AP) — A jury sentenced an Arizona prison inmate to death Wednesday for his conviction in the death of his cellmate.

Jasper Phillip Rushing, 35, was convicted of murder in the September 2010 death of Shannon Palmer while they shared a cell at the Arizona State Prison Complex-Lewis in Buckeye.

Rushing was in prison serving a sentence for a murder conviction from Yavapai County. Palmer was serving a sentence for criminal damage.

Authorities say Rushing beat Palmer and used a razor to cut his throat and inflict other injuries. Palmer died 40 minutes after the attack.

The jury deliberated more than four hours before sentencing Rushing to death.