Sentencing has been delayed in the case of Miguel Padilla, the illegal immigrant convicted of murdering three men in Altoona last year.

The Mexican government advised Padilla to file a prose petition saying his counsel was ineffective, a move that came as a surprise to both the prosecution and defense.

By Pennsylvania law, a person cannot file a prose petition if they have counsel. In filing the petition on his own Tuesday, Padilla essentially got rid of his lawyers.

District Attorney Rich Consiglio said the petition is another move by the Mexican government to give Padilla more help during his appeal process.

Consiglio requested that Padilla be moved from Blair County Prison to a state facility, saying Padilla has too many conveniences. The judge ruled that moving Padilla would be unfair if it affects his ability to meet with his lawyers.

As of Wednesday, a new sentencing date had not been set. Prosecutors are expected to recommend the death penalty.

Stay with Channel 6 News for continuing coverage.

Previous Stories: September 14, 2006: Jury Hears Closing Arguments In Padilla Death Penalty Phase September 13, 2006: Sentencing Phase Underway In Padilla Trial September 13, 2006: Padilla Found Guilty September 12, 2006: Jury Could Get Padilla Case Tuesday September 11, 2006: Prosecutors Wrap Up Case Against Padilla September 7, 2006: Second Day Of Padilla Trial Underway September 6, 2006: Triple-Murder Trial Underway In Blair County September 5, 2006: Blair County Triple-Murder Trial Set To Begin August 21, 2006: Jury Selection Begins In Miguel Padilla Case July 12, 2006: Supreme Court To Decide Padilla Murder Trial Jurisdiction May 11, 2006: Padilla Jury Will Not Be From Blair County April 20, 2006: Mexican Officials Say Judge Violated Law March 23, 2006: New Details In Padilla Murder Case March 10, 2006: Padilla Requests Change Of Venue February 23, 2006: Judge Rules Padilla Trial Is "Blair County Case" February 22, 2006: Padilla Judge Says Enough Is Enough February 10, 2006: New Lawyer For Padilla? August 31, 2005: Anger From Community August 30, 2005: New Details In Triple Murder