Father guilty in western, Pa. girl's freezing death

PITTSBURGH (AP) — A Pittsburgh-area man has been convicted of first-degree murder for leaving his 23-month-old daughter outside to freeze to death after he sexually abused her.

The same Allegheny County jury that convicted 26-year-old William Page, of Braddock, must hear evidence starting Tuesday as to whether he deserves the death penalty or life imprisonment.

Page’s daughter, Nyia, was found dead in February 2007. Police say Page molested the girl then became angry because she kept removing her diaper and left her outside in the snow.

Page testified that he confessed only after police grilled him over several days. The jury rendered its verdict today after asking to hear his recorded confession again.