702-623-6362 
One of the individuals who benefited from this political move was Thomas Steven Sanders, a 67-year-old. Now, a grand jury in Catahoula Parish is set to make a final ruling on the case, and prosecutors hope to once again secure the death penalty against the suspect.
Court records show the suspect pleaded guilty to his crimes during his federal trial back in 2014. According to court records, Sanders admitted to killing 31-year-old Suellen Roberts and her 12-year-old daughter. In the brutal slaying, the suspect reportedly had the child watch him slay her mother before he kidnapped her. He had been dating the 31-year-old for some time before the murder. After shooting his girlfriend along the side of Interstate 40, he drove the youngster across several states before cutting her throat so severely that it left marks on her vertebrae. He also shot the child four times before dumping her body in Louisiana.
On top of the admission, prosecutors also discovered DNA evidence that linked the suspect directly to the crime.
Due to the brutality and severity of the killings, Sanders was originally set to face the death penalty. His original charges included kidnapping resulting in a death and one count of using a firearm during a crime of violence resulting in a death. Then, President Biden commuted the sentence, and he’s been serving out a life sentence in Indiana.
On Monday, however, a grand jury in Catahoula Parish indicted Sanders for first-degree murder. They plan on pursuing the death penalty. Since the state of Louisiana is prosecuting this time, the death penalty is back on the table.
Under the Fifth Amendment, citizens can’t be tried twice for the same offense by the same government, as that’s considered double jeopardy. It’s critical to understand, though, that this legal standard doesn’t apply to different states or to the state and federal government.
In other words, the suspect’s case above would not be considered double jeopardy, since the state of Louisiana will be the prosecutor in this second situation, and the federal government prosecuted the first case. The suspect will need a very strong attorney’s help to fight off the new charges.
Have you recently been charged with a crime in Las Vegas or a surrounding area? Here at LV Criminal Defense, our team has extensive experience representing clients accused of various types of violent, theft, domestic, drug, and federal financial crimes. Our firm was established over a decade ago. That said, we’re confident that we can help you navigate your situation and guide you towards the best possible legal outcome in your situation.
Schedule a free, confidential phone call with our team of criminal defense attorneys now to discuss your situation further with one of our lawyers.
SEARCH
