Nara girl's killer withdraws appeal against death sentence

A former newspaper sales agent withdrew his appeal Tuesday against his death sentence for kidnapping, sexually abusing and murdering a 7-year-old girlin Nara Prefecture in 2004, his defense counsel said. Kaoru Kobayashi, 37, took back the appeal filed with the Osaka High Court by his lawyers on his behalf immediately after the Nara District Court sentenced him to death Sept 26.

The defense counsel said they have no intention of filing an objection to Kobayashi's action, implying his death sentence will be final without trial at an appeals court. The lawyer tried to persuade Kobayashi not to withdraw his appeal, telling him he is required to explain why he committed such a crime. But he did not alter the decision.