catlover79
08-25-2007, 01:43 AM
CANTON, Ohio -- A Canton police officer pleaded not guilty Friday to three counts of aggravated murder and other charges in the killing of his pregnant girlfriend.
Bobby Cutts Jr., who could receive the death penalty if convicted in the death of Jessie Davis and her unborn daughter, nodded at his parents and his pastor upon entering and leaving the makeshift courtroom at the Stark County safety building.
Davis' disappearance in June drew national attention as thousands gathered to search for her in the area surrounding her northeast Ohio home. Authorities have not said how she was killed.
Along with the aggravated murder counts, Cutts, 30, also faces two counts of gross abuse of a corpse and one count each of aggravated burglary and endangering children.
Myisha Ferrell, a high school classmate of Cutts, was indicted Thursday on charges of obstructing justice and complicity to abuse of a corpse. Prosecutors say she helped dispose of Davis' body.
A trial for Cutts would have to begin by Sept. 18, within 90 days of his arrest, unless defense attorneys waive the defendants' rights to a speedy trial.
Prosecutors want the trial held in Stark County. Defense attorneys could file for a change in venue because of the case's heavy publicity.
Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press
Bobby Cutts Jr., who could receive the death penalty if convicted in the death of Jessie Davis and her unborn daughter, nodded at his parents and his pastor upon entering and leaving the makeshift courtroom at the Stark County safety building.
Davis' disappearance in June drew national attention as thousands gathered to search for her in the area surrounding her northeast Ohio home. Authorities have not said how she was killed.
Along with the aggravated murder counts, Cutts, 30, also faces two counts of gross abuse of a corpse and one count each of aggravated burglary and endangering children.
Myisha Ferrell, a high school classmate of Cutts, was indicted Thursday on charges of obstructing justice and complicity to abuse of a corpse. Prosecutors say she helped dispose of Davis' body.
A trial for Cutts would have to begin by Sept. 18, within 90 days of his arrest, unless defense attorneys waive the defendants' rights to a speedy trial.
Prosecutors want the trial held in Stark County. Defense attorneys could file for a change in venue because of the case's heavy publicity.
Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press