Jury rejects death penalty for ex-con guilty of murder

After a defense attorney's tearful plea for mercy, a juryThursday spared the life of an ex-convict found guilty of killing aliquor store owner and then trying to have the only witness murdered.

Tears rolled down the face of defense attorney Steven R. Deckeras he implored the jury to reject a death sentence for Michael Green,29, of 204 N. Central.

Noting that God only banished Cain for killing his brother,Abel, Decker said in a choked voice, "Where would we be if God showedno forgiveness for our momentary transgressions?"

Because a death sentence requires a unanimous verdict, Deckerargued that any one juror could save Green's life.

Assistant State's Attorneys Edward Snow and James M. Bailey IIhad asked the jury to approve a death sentence for the Feb. 5, 1987,murder and armed robbery of Mario Hernandez, 35.

State evidence showed that West shot Hernandez, father of twochildren, in the neck during an $84 holdup of Buy Low Liquors at 4301W. North Ave.

After his arrest in the slaying, prosecutors said, Green asked afellow Cook County Jail inmate to find someone to kill the onlywitness against him in the case.

Prosecutors played the jury a tape-recorded conversationbetween Green and an undercover officer posing as a hit man in whichGreen said: "I want someone took away dead. We can arrangesomething, but I need him dead."

Prosecutors also said Green had been convicted of a 1980 foodstore holdup and a 1980 robbery.

Green now faces a maximum penalty of natural life in prison athis May 2 sentencing before Criminal Court Judge John N. Hourihane.