Sentencing scheduled in ND murder-for-hire case

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — Sentencing has been scheduled for an Oklahoma man convicted of hiring his handyman to kill his former-son-in law in North Dakota.

A jury last month found Gene Kirkpatrick, of Jones, Okla., guilty on murder and burglary conspiracy charges for the October 2009 slaying of Fargo dentist Philip Gattuso. Kirkpatrick faces life in prison.

Sentencing has been set for Oct. 10 in Fargo.

Kirkpatrick's handyman, Michael Nakvinda, was convicted in December of murder and three other charges for beating Gattuso to death with a hammer. He's serving life in prison.

Authorities say Kirkpatrick ordered the hit because he didn't want Gattuso raising his granddaughter. Gattuso was married to Kirkpatrick's daughter, Valerie, who died in March 2009 after an extended illness.

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