Death Penalty Weighed for Louisiana Prison Escapees

Death Penalty Weighed for Inmates Charged in Death

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Federal prosecutors have until July 30 to decide whether to seek the death penalty for two inmates charged with kidnapping and killing an Ohio businessman in Mississippi after escaping from a prison work program in Louisiana.

Ricky Wedgeworth and Darian "Drake" Pierce are charged with kidnapping David Cupps in Vicksburg, Miss., after escaping from the Louisiana State Police compound in Baton Rouge in March 2011.

Investigators said Cupps, of Sunbury, Ohio, was attacked for his rental car. His body was dumped in Bessemer, Ala.

The suspects were arrested in Memphis, Tenn., and indicted in Jackson, Miss. They could face the death penalty for two counts — kidnapping resulting in death and carjacking resulting and death. They're also charged with conspiracy and transporting a stolen vehicle. They've pleaded not guilty.

HOLBROOK MOHR, AP