Prosecutor weighing death penalty for the suspect in a toddler’s killing

 

 

Legal experts say prosecutors could seek the death penalty against a man charged with killing a 1-year-old Indiana girl who was abducted from her father’s home.

The Owen County prosecutor says he’ll decide in the coming weeks about pursuing the death penalty for 22-year-old Kyle Parker of Spencer. Parker was charged Monday with murder, rape and kidnapping in the death of Shaylyn  Ammerman.

Indiana University law professor Jody Madeira says the prosecutor will consider the heinous nature of the crime, along with the high cost and lengthy court appeals for death penalty cases.

Tamara Morgan says her granddaughter’s death was torture and only a death sentence against Parker will satisfy her.

Parker has pleaded not guilty. His lawyer hasn’t returned messages seeking comment.