Utah Supreme Court Overturns Death Sentence in High-Profile Murder Case

Court cites ineffective legal representation and improper religious testimony in sentencing phase of Douglas Lovell's trial.

Douglas Lovell's death sentence for the 1985 murder of Joyce Yost has been overturned.
Justices ruled his attorneys failed to adequately object to prejudicial religious testimony.
Lovell's murder conviction remains, but a new sentencing hearing is ordered.
Lovell, 66, was convicted of killing Yost to prevent her from testifying against him in a rape case.
The decision raises questions about the future of Lovell's sentencing and potential for another death penalty.