Man Sentenced to Death for Second Time

Convict is already serving two life sentences

A man has been sentenced to death for the second time in the 1989 slaying of a Preston Hollow woman.

Mark Robertson shot Edna Brau between the eyes in 1989 while she slept on the couch. He then stole her Cadillac and drove to Las Vegas, where he was arrested.

In his first trial, it was determined that the jury was given confusing instructions about how to consider Robertson's punishment, and he won a second trial.

On Thursday, Robertson had his second sentencing hearing, where he was again given the death penalty.

Robertson was already serving two life sentences for the slaying of the victim's grandson, Sean Hill, and a convenience store clerk, Jeffrey Saunders.

The defense tried to make a case that factors such as having to witness the abuse of his siblings as a child and his drug use contributed to his crimes, and he should thus get life in prison. However, prosecutors argued that the nature of his crimes, as well as his potential to commit future crimes, meant he should get the death sentence.

After the verdict was announced, Brau's son, John Brau, told the Dallas Morning News Robertson was a "cancer to humanity" who has only cared about himself.

Holly LaFon has written and worked for various local publications including D Magazine and Examiner.

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