Jury split on death penalty means life term in 2009 slaying
December 22, 2020 GMT
EASTON, Pa. (AP) An eastern Pennsylvania man faces life in prison without possibility of parole after a jury deadlocked over whether he should be executed for what prosecutors called a revenge slaying more than a decade ago.
The Northampton County panel announced shortly after 8 p.m. Monday after more than three hours of deliberation that they were unable to reach a decision on the penalty to be imposed on 40-year-old Jacob Holmes Jr.
Jurors earlier deliberated for about four hours before convicting the Easton resident last week of first-degree murder and conspiracy in the death of 24-year-old Miguel Aponte. As a result of the penalty phase deadlock, prosecutors said, he will be sentenced Feb. 23 to the life term plus additional time on the conspiracy conviction.
Deliberations on death penalty in 2009 café murder slated
December 20, 2020 GMT
EASTON, Pa. (AP) A northeastern Pennsylvania jury is expected to begin deliberations Monday on whether a man convicted in what prosecutors called a revenge slaying more than a decade ago should be sentenced to death or to life in prison without possibility of parole.
The Northampton County panel deliberated for about four hours last week before convicting 40-year-old Jacob Holmes Jr. of first-degree murder and conspiracy.
Prosecutors said the Easton resident shot 24-year-old Miguel Aponte at least five times in the back after forcing his way into the back door of the Easton Café in 2009. District Attorney Terence Houck said Holmes was seeking revenge for the 2006 murder of a friend. Aponte had been released from prison on charges related to the slaying.
Deliberations on death penalty in 2009 Pa. café murder slated to start Monday
Updated Dec 20, 2020;
EASTON, Pa. A northeastern Pennsylvania jury is expected to begin deliberations Monday on whether a man convicted in what prosecutors called a revenge slaying more than a decade ago should be sentenced to death or to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
The Northampton County panel deliberated for about four hours last week before convicting 40-year-old Jacob Holmes Jr. of first-degree murder and conspiracy.
Prosecutors said the Easton resident shot 24-year-old Miguel Aponte at least five times in the back after forcing his way into the back door of the Easton Café in 2009. District Attorney Terence Houck said Holmes was seeking revenge for the 2006 murder of a friend. Aponte had been released from prison on charges related to the slaying.
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