Killer uses 3 daughters to try to avoid death penalty

Maurice Phillips, a drug kingpin convicted earlier this month in a murder-for-hire plot resulting in the death of a cooperating witness and her adult godson, enlisted his three young daughters yesterday to win over a jury and not give him a death sentence.

Ahnyah, Madison and Peyton Phillips, ages 11, 5 and 3, respectively, were questioned about their relationship with their father.

They did not appear in a federal courtroom. Instead, jurors were shown a 10-minute DVD of interviews with them.

The video was intended to convince jurors that Phillips is a loving and involved father, which the defense says mitigates against a death sentence. Jurors watched the video intently. One female juror appeared to wipe away tears.

Phillips' daughters are seen describing visits with their father in prison, how he impacts their lives and how much they miss him.

Phillips repeatedly emphasizes the importance of education and of getting good grades, the children said.

Madison Phillips said she even sends her father, whom she calls "Buddy," her report cards.

Ahnyah Phillips said her father told her during a recent visit: "Go and get good grades because if you don't you'll end up at McDonald's."

At one point, as Ahnyah relates that she yearns to be a singer and that her father has encouraged her to attend music school, she starts to wipe away tears.

Peyton Phillips said she draws pictures for her father and enjoys visiting him.

The video of Phillips' daughters concluded the defense's case in the penalty phase, during which 23 witnesses, mostly Phillips' relatives, testified on his behalf.

Closing arguments are expected Monday. Jurors could get the case later that day.

Phillips was convicted by a jury on April 13 of three murder offenses, drug conspiracy, money laundering and related offenses.

A jury found that he had hired a first cousin, Bryant Phillips, to murder money launderer Chineta Glanville in June 2002, after he learned that she was cooperating with authorities and named Phillips as a client. Also killed was her visiting godson, Dane King.