Posted on 10/20/2005 7:54:53 AM PDT by SmithL
Roane County District Attorney General Scott McCluen announced today he would seek the death penalty against captured fugitives George and Jennifer Hyatte.
The Hyattes, who drew national attention during their flight following the shooting of a Tennessee prison guard, will be tried separately, McCluen said in a statement.
A Roane County grand jury returned first-degree murder charges against both Hyattes in the shooting death of correction officer Charles "Cotton" Morgan. They also face attempted murder charges in connection with a subsequent gun battle with Morgan’s partner, correction officer Larry Harris.
The grand jury also charged George Hyatte with escape and Jennifer Hyatte with helping her husband’s flight.
Authorities allege Jennifer Hyatte shot Morgan in the parking lot of the Roane County Courthouse on Aug. 9. After a shootout with Harris that apparently left Jennifer Hyatte wounded, the couple fled, triggering a nationwide manhunt.
Acting on a tip from a cab driver, authorities captured the Hyattes 36 hours later in a Columbus, Ohio, motel room.
McCluen expects that an arraignment will be held in Roane County Criminal Court on Monday. Prosecutors will ask for the trials to be held in March 2006.
Someone needs to ping Jesse Jackson. It's about time to play the race card.
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