A big factor in the death penalty is the victim and a pregnant woman who has this happen to her is a perfect storm for the death penalty. Given the victim, she has a chance to get the death penalty. And you better believe the baby will be in court for the sentencing phase.
I hate to think the baby won't be a 'baby' any more with the 'speed of justice.'
At least a teenager before it's death.... unless the Dahmer method is imposed.
Is she going to be tried in US District court or in an Iowa court first? I don't know Iowa laws on DP, or even if Iowa has a DP. In most states, to get the DP you have to have committed murder during the commission of other certain felonies, and often kidnapping is one of those. I assume that would apply here. But I can't believe some kind of insanity defense won't be provided. Plus, what's the defendant's IQ? If it's borderline retarded she legally can't get death, and so far everything I've heard about this case suggests to me she can't be too far beyond a 75. I just don't see a death penalty here, though I agree the crime merits the punishment.
I got a better idea...........
If they want to be savages, let them live like savages...
take 1000 of the most violent and worst offenders, drop them on an island, give them each a dollar, and tell them it takes $1000.00 to get off the island...airdrop food in once a week and let them fight for it...
when there is one person left with a thousand, take them before a judge, and have the judge tell them "Sorry pal, we lied. Here are another 1000. now it takes $2000.00 to get off". Repeat as necessary.