Court briefs for February 28, 2001

Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2001 | 11:55 a.m.

Jury to decide fate of killer

A Clark County jury will decide next week if a Las Vegas man should get the death penalty in connection with a May 1999 slaying.

The jury convicted Mack Mason, 53, Tuesday on multiple charges in the death of Dudley Earl Thomas, 41.

According to police, Mason shot Thomas in the head because he was upset that Thomas was dating his former girlfriend.

Thomas' body was found in a Seventh Street hotel downtown on May 12, 1999.

Mason was convicted of first-degree murder, second-degree kidnapping and two counts of burglary, all of which the jury found were committed with use of a deadly weapon.

The jury acquitted Mason of grand larceny with use of a deadly weapon.

The penalty phase of Mason's trial is expected to start Monday.

Death penalty won't be sought

The Clark County district attorney's office will not seek the death penalty for a Las Vegas man accused in the slaying of his wife two days before Christmas.

Vitaly Zakouto faces an Oct. 22 trial in the stabbing death of Marina Cannon.

Police say Zakouto tracked his wife to her father's house, broke in and stabbed her to death on Dec. 23.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Ed Kane said Tuesday that although relatives have identified Zakouto as the perpetrator seen on videotape breaking into the home, the tape is not of high quality.

The case will be tried mainly on circumstantial evidence, Kane said.

Police said Cannon had fled to her father's home to escape a violent relationship with Zakouto.