Two Nevada killers may be executed

Monday, March 15, 2004 | 9:28 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- Two convicted killers may be executed at the Nevada State Prison in the next few months after a hiatus in executions in the state of almost three years.

Terry J. Dennis, convicted of a 1999 killing in Washoe County, has abandoned his appeal in state courts and said, "Basically, I took a life and I'm ready to pay for that with mine."

Dennis, in a hearing in District Court in Reno in December, said: "I would rather not live than continue to live and be a doddering old man in prison."

The Nevada Supreme Court on Friday dismissed Dennis' appeal at his request. The court said Dennis intelligently made his decision and "it is plain that Dennis is aware of his impending execution and the reason for it."

Dennis was convicted of the strangulation of Ilona Straumanis in Washoe County. He pleaded guilty to the charge, and a three-judge panel sentenced him to death.

If he changes his mind, Dennis could still pursue an appeal in the federal court system and receive a stay of execution.

The order of the Supreme Court will allow the District Court to set an execution date.

Lawrence Colwell, convicted of a murder in Las Vegas, is scheduled to be executed by lethal injection March 26 at the prison in Carson City. He has said he wants to die, but he has left an opening to appeal to the U.S. District Court in Reno if he changes his mind.

Colwell said he will make a final decision March 24 whether he wants to go forward with his execution.

Colwell was convicted of the 1994 strangulation of tourist Frank Rosenstock of Florida at the Tropicana in a robbery effort.

There have been nine men put to death since the state re-instated the death penalty in 1977. The last execution was of Sebastian Bridges on April 21, 2001.