Kansas Cases

Gavin Scott Moves off Death Row

Gavin Scott, sentenced to death in a 1996 double homicide, has reached a plea agreement that drops the death penalty and sentences him instead to two consecutive life sentences. His original sentence was overturned by the Kansas Supreme Court in May 2008 and he has been awaiting re-sentencing since that date. Scott will not be eligible for parole for at least 85 years. … [Read more...] about Gavin Scott Moves off Death Row

State to Seek Death Penalty in Aguirre Case

On March 22, 2010, the state of Kansas announced that it would seek the death penalty against Luis Aguirre in the October 2009 deaths of 18-year-old Tanya Maldonado and their son, 25-month-old Juan Maldonado. Aguirre, who has entered a plea of not guilty, has been held in the Riley County Jail since last October. This is the first time the death penalty has been sought in a … [Read more...] about State to Seek Death Penalty in Aguirre Case

Cheatham to Get New Sentencing Hearing

On February 22, 2010, Shawnee County District Court Judge Mark Braun issued a decision that will give Phillip Cheatham a new sentencing hearing. His attorney, Dennis Hawver, had testified at an earlier hearing that he believed he provided ineffective counsel. Hawver, who had never tried a capital case, stated that he hadn't talked to other defense attorneys about trying … [Read more...] about Cheatham to Get New Sentencing Hearing

Marsh Case Resolved in New Agreement

On Friday, April 3, 2009, in Wichita, Michael Marsh entered an Alford plea in regard to the charges pending against him. Marsh's capital murder conviction and aggravated arson conviction had been vacated by the State Supreme Court in 2004. Marsh entered a guilty plea to reduced charges. The plea was accepted by Judge Owens, and Marsh was sentenced to life in prison. The … [Read more...] about Marsh Case Resolved in New Agreement