DA Delays Death Penalty Decision In Greensburg Torture Slaying

Westmoreland County prosecutors will have more time to decide whether to seek the death penalty against five people accused in the torture and murder of a mentally disabled woman.

A judge on Thursday gave District Attorney John Peck until June 7 to declare whether he will seek the death penalty against Greensburg residents Ricky Smyrnes, 24, Melvin Knight, 21, Amber Meidinger, 20, Peggy Darlene Miller, 27, and Robert Loren Masters, 36.

Those defendants, along with Angela Marinucci, 17, are charged with first-degree murder in the Feb. 11 killing of Jennifer Daugherty, 30, of Greensburg.

RAW VIDEO: Audio Tapes Describe Slaying VIDEO: Judge Delays Decision

Peck, who was to have announced his decision on the death penalty by Friday, said he needed more time to determine whether there were aggravating circumstances.

Aggravated circumstances are facts about the defendants and the killing that make it more serious. Peck must file a notice with the court of what aggravating circumstances he believes exist in the case before he can seek the death penalty.

Daugherty’s body was found in the snow-covered parking lot of Greensburg-Salem Middle School. She was bound with holiday lights and clothing in a black plastic bag stuffed inside a residential rubber garbage can, which was rolled under a truck.

Police contend Daugherty was tortured for nearly two days before being strangled and stabbed.

Attorneys for Smyrnes and Knight gave Peck detailed reports of evidence that could mitigate the crime and might be used to avoid the death penalty. Peck said his office has not had enough time to adequately review that evidence.

The attorneys for Smyrnes and Knight previously have suggested that their clients suffer from some sort of mental impairment. Both men confessed to their roles in the torture and killing, authorities said.

All six defendants were formally arraigned in county court Friday.

Previous Stories: March 4, 2010: Daugherty Family Distraught Over Suspects' Actions In Court

February 21, 2010: Vigil For Jennifer Daugherty Draws Large Turnout February 19, 2010: Suspect Arrested Carrying Rubber Gloves, Hammer Prior To Being Charged In Greensburg Homicide February 15, 2010: Friends, Family Remember Woman Tortured, Killed In Greensburg February 15, 2010: Greensburg Woman Tortured, Killed; 6 Arrested

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