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Post by Anja Nieser on Sept 16, 2006 12:34:46 GMT -5
Death penalty sought Son accused in burning death of mother By Mike Redelson Telegraph-Forum staff BUCYRUS -- Crawford County Prosecutor Stan Flegm said he will seek the death penalty for Galion's John Petersen, who has been indicted in the burning death of his mother, Patricia McElhatten. Flegm said the special grand jury handed down a three-count indictment Wednesday morning on Petersen for aggravated murder, a first-degree felony, felonious assault, a second-degree felony and aggravated arson, a first-degree felony.
The indictments accuse Petersen, 27, of previously planning the act of dumping a flammable liquid on her and igniting her, and fleeing after the act.
"We will be seeking the death penalty on Mr. Petersen," Flegm said.
This is the first time the prosecutor's office has asked for the death penalty since the Kevin Keith murder case in 1994.
Petersen was re-indicted with these indictments and had previously been indicted Monday on attempted murder. That changed when McElhatten, 54, died at 4:45 p.m. Tuesday of her burns.
McElhatten was burned at her home about 10:30 p.m. Sept. 6.
Galion Police Chief Brian Saterfield classified it as a domestic incident that was "unprovoked."
No arraignment has been set for Petersen, who remains in Crawford County jail without bond.
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