Post by Anja Nieser on Sept 26, 2006 17:58:14 GMT -5
Federal Prosecutors Make Rare Death Penalty Bid In D.C.
D.C. Man Charged In Five Killings
POSTED: 12:24 pm EDT September 25, 2006
UPDATED: 12:44 pm EDT September 25, 2006
WASHINGTON -- Federal prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against a D.C. man charged in five killings, setting up the prospect of just the third capital murder trial in the city in 30 years.
Larry Gooch is expected to go on trial in January on felony charges, including first-degree murder and armed robbery. He's described by law enforcement officials as "an enforcer" in the 'M' Street Crew drug gang.
Capital punishment is not allowed under D.C. law. But 27-year-old Gooch could get the death penalty because he is charged under federal law.
The Justice Department decision to seek the death penalty required the approval of Attorney General Alberto Gonzales.
Gooch is charged in the August 2000 deaths of 19-year-old Christopher Lane and 27-year-old William Cunningham; the September 2002 killing of 34-year-old Miguel Miles; and the February 2003 deaths of 40-year-old Calvin Cooper and his girlfriend, 32-year-old Yolanda Miller.
Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press
D.C. Man Charged In Five Killings
POSTED: 12:24 pm EDT September 25, 2006
UPDATED: 12:44 pm EDT September 25, 2006
WASHINGTON -- Federal prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against a D.C. man charged in five killings, setting up the prospect of just the third capital murder trial in the city in 30 years.
Larry Gooch is expected to go on trial in January on felony charges, including first-degree murder and armed robbery. He's described by law enforcement officials as "an enforcer" in the 'M' Street Crew drug gang.
Capital punishment is not allowed under D.C. law. But 27-year-old Gooch could get the death penalty because he is charged under federal law.
The Justice Department decision to seek the death penalty required the approval of Attorney General Alberto Gonzales.
Gooch is charged in the August 2000 deaths of 19-year-old Christopher Lane and 27-year-old William Cunningham; the September 2002 killing of 34-year-old Miguel Miles; and the February 2003 deaths of 40-year-old Calvin Cooper and his girlfriend, 32-year-old Yolanda Miller.
Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press