August 8, 2009
Death penalty sought against Coatesville man in teen's death, dismemberment
Prosecutors in Chester County say they plan to seek the death penalty against a man charged in the murder and dismemberment of a teenager last fall.
Prosecutors accuse Laquanta Chapman, 29, of Coatesville of killing 16-year-old Aaron Turner, who disappeared Oct. 30.
Authorities allege that Turner was shot and dismembered with a chain saw, and his remains were then left along the road in trash bags for pickup.
Prosecutors cited Chapman's prior record and evidence that the alleged crime may have been drug-related.
Defense attorney Michael Noone says the decision to seek the death penalty comes as no surprise. He says he does not concede the aggravating factors cited by prosecutors and could challenge them if his client is convicted.
Prosecutors are not seeking the death penalty against Bryan Byrd, 19, of Newark, N.J., who is also charged in the case
http://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/state/all-a10_dismembered.6982655aug08,0,5548842.story?track =rss
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