Prosecutors: Death Penalty Sought For 2 Alleged Gang Members Accused Of Stabbing, Burning Man Alive In Bethlehem
BETHLEHEM, Pa. (CBS/AP) — Prosecutors in Northampton County will seek the death penalty for two alleged gang members accused in the death of a man who was stabbed and set on fire while he was still alive. The Northampton County District Attorney's office announced its intentions Thursday during an arraignment hearing for one of the defendants, Yzire Jenkins-Rowe.
He and Miles Harper were charged last September with homicide, arson, kidnapping, conspiracy and aggravated assault in the April 2018 death of 18-year-old Tyrell Holmes of Bethlehem.
Prosecutors cited the perpetration of multiple felonies and the fact that the killing was considered torture. In Jenkins-Rowe's case, they also cited his "significant history" of felony convictions involving the use or threat of violence.
Holmes' smoldering body was found behind an apartment complex. An autopsy concluded that Holmes died of smoke inhalation and thermal injuries as well as multiple stab wounds.
A motive for the slaying has not been disclosed, but authorities have indicated it may have stemmed from a drug-deal-turned-robbery.
Prosecutors have said both men were told to retain lawyers, but court documents show neither man has requested legal counsel.
Harper is expected to be arraigned in late March.
(© Copyright 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)