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July 3, 2008
Uncle of dead Vermont girl facing kidnapping charges
Topics: News
The uncle of a 12-year-old Vermont girl whose body was found Wednesday was charged with kidnapping, a federal prosecutor said Thursday.
Brooke Bennett, 12, had been missing since June 25 and appears to be the victim of foul play, police say.
Brooke Bennett, 12, had been missing since June 25 and appears to be the victim of foul play, police say.
An autopsy was taking place Thursday on the body of Brooke Bennett, and the suspect, Michael Jacques, could face further charges if the death is ruled a homicide, U.S. Attorney Thomas Anderson said.
A kidnapping that results in a death is potentially a capital crime, Anderson said, and the suspect could face execution or life in prison even without being charged in the killing of his niece.
Jacques was arrested Sunday on a charge of sexually assaulting another young girl, according to an affidavit filed in U.S. District Court in Burlington, Vermont.
Ray Gagnon, Brooke's former stepfather, has been charged with sexually assaulting the same child. Gagnon also faces a federal obstruction of justice charge and is due in court Monday.
Posted by admin at July 3, 2008 7:29 PM
