The trial of the Vermont
man facing the federal death penalty in the sexual assault and killing
of his 12-year-old niece is now scheduled for September 2013.
The Vermont Supreme Court has rejected the
appeal of a slain 12-year-old girl’s father, who claimed the ex-wife of the
suspect was negligent in his daughter’s death and that her insurance company
should pay damages.
Reporter Andy Bromage of Seven Days explains the rulings and the next steps in the criminal trial of Michael Jacques, the Randolph man accused of kidnapping, assaulting and murdering his 12-year-old niece.
A federal judge says prosecutors may continue
to pursue the death penalty against a convicted sex offender charged with
luring his 12-year-old niece to his Vermont home with the promise of a pool party before
molesting and strangling her.
Eight months after
the death of 12-year-old Brooke Bennett, Vermont’s governor signed into law a bill aimed at improving
the state’s prosecution of sex crimes.
Legislative committees would be given power to subpoena
witnesses under a bill approved by the state Senate. Under current law, the only way committees can force a
witness to testify is if the full Legislature approves a subpoena.