Teenagers indicted for murder
PULASKI — Prosecutors could announce as soon as Monday whether they will seek the death penalty against two teenagers accused of slaying a mother and her two children.
Matthew Wood and William Angel, both 18-years-old, were indicted on 11 counts each in connection with the killings of Desere Thornton, 38, Jerrod, 16, and 9-year-old Anthony Thornton.
A Giles County grand jury indicted the teens Friday on three counts each of premeditated first-degree murder, three counts each of felony murder, one count each of aggravated arson, setting fire to personal property, animal cruelty, theft and aggravated burglary.
The teenagers are scheduled to appear in court for arraignment Monday. District Attorney General Mike Bottoms said by then he hopes to have determined the severity of the punishment he will request.
Authorities have said the teens broke into the Thornton residence on 342 Milky Way Road Oct. 23 to confront Jerrod Thornton over a dispute about a girl.
A search warrant, which was unsealed by a judge in November, states Wood and Angel allegedly stabbed the victims to death. The two teens then allegedly poured gasoline inside the residence and on a vehicle in attempt to cover up the crime, according to the warrant.
Bottoms said the teens also allegedly killed the family dog and stole an Xbox 360 video game system before setting the house on fire.
Angel was arrested the same day the bodies were found, and Wood was taken into custody a few weeks later after recovering from burns at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville.
The two suspects are being held in Maury County Jail with no bond set.
http://www.columbiadailyherald.com/articles/2010/01/20/top_stories/04firemurder.txt
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