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Pocono News Section
D.A. Seeking Death Penalty in 18-Year-Old Murder Case
D.A. Seeking Death Penalty in 18-Year-Old Murder Case - Wednesday, October 14, 2009 at 5:50PM EST
Reported by: Eric Deabill
Wednesday, Oct 14, 2009 @ 05:50pm EDT
HONESDALE, WAYNE COUNTY -- After months of wondering we now know the D. A. in Wayne County is seeking the death penalty against Jeffrey Plishka. Plishka was put on notice Wednesday during a court hearing in Honesdale.
Wayne County District Attorney Michael Lehutsky said, ̉Today we took care of Mr Plishka's formal arraignment. He continues to be held without bail while the case is proceeding."
Plishka is accused of killing camp counselor Laura Ronning in 1991. Prosecutors say he raped her, shot her and then dumped her body down an embankment.
The death penalty is eligible in this case because the murder happened at the same time as the sexual assault.
Jeffrey Plishka's attorney, Lee Krause, was not available for an on camera interview after Wednesday's formal arraignment. As he was leaving the courthouse, he did tell Eyewitness News he wasn't surprised by the death penalty decision... and says he's looking into whether he thinks his client can get a fair trial in Wayne County.
Prosecutors say a fair trial is possible in Wayne County and they intend to get justice. ̉I think its possible and one of the reasons why I limit my public comments is because its my intention to do everything we can to try this case in Wayne County," said Lehutsky.
After a two-day preliminary hearing in September, defense lawyers called the case weak and poorly put together. That will now be up for a jury to decide.
As far as when jurors could hear this case, that probably will not happen until next year. | | |
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