Ohio teen's Craigslist slayings case heads to jury
Brogan Rafferty listens to witness testimony during his trial
By ANDREW WELSH-HUGGINS AP Legal Affairs Writer
AKRON, Ohio (AP) - A jury is deciding the case of an Ohio teenager accused in the slayings of 3 men lured by phony Craigslist job offers.
Prosecutors in Akron concluded their case Thursday by portraying defendant Brogan Rafferty as a full accomplice who knew what he was doing and ignored opportunities to contact police.
Summit County prosecutor John Baumoel (bow-MEL') says Rafferty was a partner with adult suspect Richard Beasley in executing people in the woods.
Defense attorney John Alexander says Rafferty was a 16-year-old child who feared Beasley would harm his family and didn't know how to get out of a horrible situation.
The now 17-year-old Rafferty could receive a life prison sentence without chance of parole if convicted of aggravated murder.
Beasley pleaded not guilty and will be tried separately.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Sunday, May 19 2013 8:52 PM EDT2013-05-20 00:52:38 GMT
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Brogan Rafferty listens to witness testimony during his trial
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