A judge has set a Dec. 19 sentencing hearing for Roy Ellis Jr., who was convicted in April of murdering a 12-year-old Omaha girl.

Ellis is eligible for the death penalty in Amber Harris’ death. However, a three-judge panel must decide whether to impose it when sentencing him for first-degree murder.

Ellis refused to appear in court Friday for a competency hearing.

Still, Douglas County District Judge Gregory Schatz said he had no choice but to schedule a sentencing hearing.

Amber’s remains were found in May 2006 in Hummel Park in far northeast Omaha. She had been missing since Nov. 29, 2005, when she was seen getting off a school bus on her way home from school.

An autopsy indicated Amber died of blunt force trauma.