In an effort to send convicted killer Kirk Lankford to prison for the rest of his life, prosecutors will be allowed to introduce evidence of an alleged prior sexual assault by Lankford as well as allegations of spouse abuse and attacks on cats by Lankford, a judge has ruled.

Lankford, 22, was convicted last month of murdering Japanese visitor Masumi Watanabe in April 2007. The second degree murder charge normally carries a maximum sentence of life in prison with the possibility of parole, but City Prosecutor Peter Carlisle is seeking an "enhanced" sentence of life-without-parole.

Circuit Judge Karl Sakamoto today denied motions by defense lawyer Donald Wilkerson to prohibit introduction of evidence about prior bad acts by Lankford during a sentencing hearing next week.

But Sakamoto said he will question jurors about their ability to remain impartial when hearing evidence about an earlier alleged sex assault as well as "alleged abuses against cats and against the wife."