Death penalty fought in Md. murder case
Lawyers for a man accused of killing an 11-year-old girl have filed a request to remove the death penalty as a sentencing option.
The requests by public defenders Katy C. O'Donnell and Kay Beehler will be heard beginning Wednesday in Cecil County Circuit Court.
The public defenders represent 31-year-old Thomas Leggs Jr. who is charged with murder and other offenses in the kidnapping and slaying of Sarah Foxwell.
Her burned remains were found Christmas Day 2009. The trial has been moved to Cecil County.
O'Donnell and Beehler argue that the court should rule against Maryland's intent to seek the death penalty because the state's execution methods constitute cruel and unusual punishment.
By
The Daily Times of Salisbury
| January 26, 2011; 8:04 AM ET
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Death Penalty, From the Courthouse, Maryland, Updates
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the lawyers for this murderer of an 11 year old girl argue that "maryland's execution methods constitute cruel and unusual punishment". i would think that the killing of this 11 year old child was cruel. i have no sympathy for child killers or how they are executed when found guilty.
Posted by: melvinowens | January 26, 2011 8:42 AM | Report abuse
O'Donnell and Beehler argue that the court should rule against Maryland's intent to seek the death penalty because the state's execution methods constitute cruel and unusual punishment.
What a Joke. What do you think it was for the 11 year old. Even if he would get the death penalty, it will take YEARS and tons of our tax money before it happens. Another disgrace and abuse of a justice system.
Posted by: cosgrayj | January 26, 2011 9:20 AM | Report abuse
If the slime ball wants to live, he should become an organ donor. He would then be able to live until his organs are needed by law abiding citizens.
Posted by: 10bestfan | January 26, 2011 11:02 AM | Report abuse
One can only hope for a little expedited jailhouse justice....
Posted by: IncredulousAsEver | January 26, 2011 1:41 PM | Report abuse
o'donnell and beehler must think they are doing really good work. unfortuntely for them, they are wrong
Posted by: slick3 | January 26, 2011 2:27 PM | Report abuse
o'donnell and beehler must think they are doing really good work. unfortuntely for them, they are wrong
Posted by: slick3 | January 26, 2011 2:27 PM
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O'donnel and Beehler are public defenders. They got stuck with the job because the law states that everyone is entitled to legal counsel. Even worthless child killers like Leggs have to have a lawyer. Its dirty work, but someone has to do it.
Posted by: GP04 | January 26, 2011 4:38 PM | Report abuse
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