Peter Dabish Murder Trial Update: Torture and Murder Charges Upheld Against Powerhouse Gyms Heir
DETROIT (CBS) Despite pleas from defense attorneys, the torture charge against Powerhouse Gyms heir Peter Dabish has been upheld in the murder of 23-year-old Diana DeMayo.
Throughout the hearing defense attorneys struggled to make an impression on Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Linda Parker, who also ignored their motion to reduce the murder charge.
On the other hand, the prosecution was having more luck with Judge Parker, who granted their request to allow an alternative count of felony murder, as well as the existing charge of first degree murder in DeMayo's death, reports The Detroit Free Press.
Even though defense attorney Dominick Sorise argued that there was not enough evidence to show that the killing was premeditated, Parker upheld the torture charge and agreed to a more serious murder charge as well, citing prior threats made against the victim and her family.
She said the jury could consider the amount of time that lapsed between the beatings which ultimately led to the young woman's death.
"There was enough time [during the length of time of the beating] for reflection," she told The Detroit Free Press.
Assistant Wayne County Prosecutor Lisa Lindsay wanted to add an alternative count of felony murder because she claims that the death occurred during the commission of another crime, says The Detroit Free Press.
Either way, if Dabish, 24, is convicted on first-degree premeditated murder or felony murder charges, the gym heir will face life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Peter Dabish faces trial for the May, 2010 murder of DeMayo, who was found brutally beaten just hours after she helped him move into a Detroit apartment tower.
According to the medical examiner, DeMayo was killed by blunt force trauma after receiving 10 blows to the head.
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May 10, 2010 - Peter Dabish, Powerhouse Gym Heir, Charged With Murder and Torture
April 9, 2010 - Peter Dabish, Powerhouse Gym Heir, Ordered Held Without Bond in Friend's Slaying