The Utah Board of Pardons has recommended that Lance Conway Wood, convicted of first-degree murder in the torture slaying of Gordon Ray Church, spend the rest of his life in prison.
Board of Pardons Chairman Pete Haun noted that Wednesday's decision could be reversed by a future board. Meanwhile, Wood, 22, may apply in writing every five years for a "re-determination" of the board's decision.Wood's co-defendant, Michael Anthony Archuleta, was sentenced to death for his part in the November 1988 murder.
The two picked up the victim in Cedar City and took him up a nearby canyon where Archuleta cut the victim and put him in the trunk of the car, according to testimony.
Archuleta then drove north to the Dog Valley area, where Church was slain. His skull was fractured, arm was broken and his elbow dislocated, and a tire iron, which was apparently inserted nearly 19 inches up his rectum, pierced his liver twice, according to medical testimony. Jumper cables were attached to the victim's genitals.