In the state of North Carolina, some cases simply demand a strong criminal defense. A Morrisville man has been accused of attempted first-degree arson in conjunction with a prior charge for the murder of a 34-year-old woman. The same man faces a host of charges for his involvement in a series of home robberies that took place the week before the violent crime.
The body of the woman was discovered after friends, who had not heard from her in several days, became concerned. Police arrested the 22-year-old man the following day. Police have confirmed that the murder was not a random crime, but have yet to reveal to reporters how they connected the young man to the offense. The man is also accused of trying to set fire to the woman’s home, apparently in an effort to hide the woman’s death.
Arrest warrants state that the man had broken into two different homes in the city on the same day that the woman’s body was discovered. He also reportedly stole a vehicle from a relative two weeks prior to the break-ins. He is now facing three counts of obtaining property under false pretenses, two counts of breaking and entering and one count of attempted break-in and larceny after breaking and entering. Police documentation indicates that the man was offered bond for the robbery charges but was denied because of his charge for first-degree murder.
If convicted of the violent crime, the man could receive the death penalty. According to North Carolina statutes, in cases where the death penalty is not sought, those convicted may receive a sentence life in prison without the possibility of parole. Given the severity of his charges, the man will likely require a strong legal defense to avoid maximum sentencing.
Source: WRAL-TV, “Raleigh slaying suspect charged with attempted arson,” Kathy Hanrahan, 29 June 2011.
