The jury had found 31-year-old Howard Murray guilty of first degree murder, burglary, destruction of property and two counts of battery.

The charges stem from the 2008 murder of 33-year-old Brent Butler near Elizabeth. Authorities say three men robbed Butler and then stabbed him to death.

The two other suspects 33-year-old Oscar Gibson and 20-year-old Corey Robinson reached plea agreements.

The mercy recommendation means Murray may not have to spend the remainder of his life in prison.