WORSE THAN DEATH. The Dallas Nightclub Murders and the Texas Multiple Murder Law

Hardback. Number Two: North Texas Crime and Criminal Justice Series. In 1984, a Moroccan national named Abdelkrim Belachheb walked into Ianni's Restaurant, a trendy Dallas nightclub, and gunned down 7 people. Six died. Despite the fact that the crimes occurred in a state that prided itself on being tough on criminals, the death penalty was not an option for the Belachheb jury. Even though he had committed 6 murders, and his guilt was never in question (despite his insanity defence), his crimes were not capital murders under 1984 statutes. As a direct result of this crime, during the 1985 regular session the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 8 - the "multiple murder" statute - to make serial killing and mass murder capital crimes. Belachheb's case serves as an excellenht example to explore capital punishment and the insanity defence. The case is unique in that debate usually arises from an execution. Belachheb was given life imprisonment under maximum security - a fate some would argue is "worse than death". Illus., Notes on Sources + Index. 270pp. 8vo. h/back. From the library of true crime writer, Wilfred Gregg, with his personal b/plate. F. in nr. f. dw.