May 15, 2008, 6:14AM

Judge denies bid for a mistrial in penalty phase for officer's killer

By BRIAN ROGERS
Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle

Juan Leonardo Quintero's defense attorneys were shocked Wednesday by jailhouse telephone recordings and asked for a mistrial during the punishment phase of the three-week death penalty trial.

Defense attorney Danalynn Recer accused prosecutors of withholding evidence necessary to defend Quintero, who was convicted last week of shooting HPD officer Rodney Johnson.

He had pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.

State District Judge Joan Campbell denied the request for a mistrial.

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