(Photo: AP)ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP)- Maryland state senators backing a bill to repeal the death penalty have defeated a number of amendments, mostly offered by Republicans opposed to the measure, to maintain capital punishment in cases of heinous crimes.
Amendments defeated on the Senate floor on Monday night would have upheld the death penalty for the killing of a police officer in the line of duty, for the killing of correctional officers, for kidnappers that kill, for criminals involved in mass murders and for inmates who murder others while trying to escape.
Senators debated for more than two hours before recessing.
The Senate will hear more amendments Tuesday morning. A vote could come as early as Tuesday night.
Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller says he expects the repeal bill to pass the Senate and House.
