The lawyer for one of Carol Neulander's killers said Wednesday he will seek a sentence well below the maximum penalty for his client.

"In theory, he faces 50 years," said Craig Mitnick, who represents Paul Michael Daniels, a former Pennsauken man who admitted fatally beating the wife of Rabbi Fred J. Neulander. "I would be shocked if that happens. I'm really hopeful for Paul that he receive a far less sentence than the rabbi or (admitted hit man Leonard) Jenoff."

Mitnick said he also will request psychological and psychiatric care for Daniels, who is mentally ill.

A jury today is to begin hearing testimony on whether Neulander should receive the death penalty or serve a life sentence.

Jenoff faces up to 30 years for aggravated manslaughter, with no chance of parole for 15 years.

Daniels, who admitted to aggravated manslaughter and robbery, faces a possible 25-year bar on parole.

They'll both be sentenced at a future date by Superior Court Judge Linda G. Baxter.

Mitnick noted his client helped the prosecution, giving testimony that backed accounts by Jenoff. Both men described an incident where Jenoff, then on welfare, showered Daniels with cash paid by the rabbi for his wife's murder.

Mitnick also said his client was manipulated by the rabbi and Jenoff.

"It's almost like when Paul Daniels testified, your heart broke for Carol Neulander and a small part of your heart broke for him. He's the pawn in all of this.

"If it were not for Rabbi Neulander's manipulation, Paul Daniels would not be sitting in a prison jumpsuit," Mitnick said.