SPENCER, Ind. -- Legal experts say prosecutors could seek the death penalty against the man charged with killing a 1-year-old Indiana girl after abducting her from her father's home.
The Owen County prosecutor says he'll decide in the coming weeks about pursuing the death penalty for 22-year-old Kyle Parker of Spencer. Parker was charged Monday with murder, rape and kidnapping in the death of Shaylyn Ammerman.
Indiana University law professor Jody Madeira says the prosecutor will consider the heinous nature of the crime, along with the high cost and lengthy court appeals for death penalty cases.
Tamara Morgan says her granddaughter's death was torture and only a death sentence against Parker will satisfy her.
Parker has pleaded not guilty. His lawyer hasn't returned messages seeking comment.
PREVIOUS | Court documents: Kyle Parker raped and murdered 1-year-old Shaylyn Ammerman | Death of 1-year-old Shaylyn Ammerman ruled a homicide | TIMELINE: The murder of Shaylyn Ammerman | Shaylyn Ammerman's dad, uncle describe hours before she went missing
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