Death penalty sought in London killing
Thursday, August 27, 2009 4:39 PM
By Ashley Lutz
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
Prosecutors will seek the death penalty against the man they believe shot a Madison County man in front of the victim's two young children.
Steven L. Howard, 32, was indicted today in Common Pleas Court on aggravated murder, aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary and aggravated kidnapping charges.
His alleged accomplice, Michael Scott, 19, of Columbus, was indicted on the same charges.
Prosecutors do not plan to pursue the death penalty against Scott. They believe Howard shot and killed 21-year-old Blaine Petit in his London home Aug. 18.
Howard and Scott broke into the N. Madison Road house over what authorities believe was a fight over money and drugs. Petit was shot in the throat in front of his 3-year-old daughter and 1-year-old son.
Assistant Prosecutor Eamon Costello said the case comes across as a deliberate, "execution-style," murder.
"The evidence suggests Petit was shot almost immediately," Costello said. "And the potential for others to get hurt is also a troubling factor."
http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2009/08/27/madison_killings.html?type=rss&cat=&sid=101
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