Body Found Likely Connected to Pittsburgh Newborn
Immediately after I discussed this case on the blog, authorities in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania have discovered the body of a woman who may be connected with the newborn brought to the hospital by Andrea Curry-Demus. Ms. Curry-Demus previously claimed to have purchased the newborn for $1,000.00. However, a woman's body that was bound and gagged was discovered in an apartment belonging to Ms. Curry-Demus. There was evidence of a partial evisceration and a placenta was found at the scene.
With this new evidence, Ms. Curry-Demus could be facing a variety of new charges. These charges include: murder in the first degree, murder in the second degree, depraved-heart murder, felony murder, manslaughter, and kidnapping. In Pennsylvania, a person convicted of first degree murder may receive the death penalty. However, not the electric chair. Use of the electric chair was abolished in 1990, now like most states, lethal injection is used.
If the state decides to pursue the death penalty against Ms. Curry-Demus, there will be two phases. First the trial phase during which the evidence against her for the murder would be presented by the state. If convicted of first degree murder, the second phase of the proceedings would begin, her sentencing hearing.
During the sentencing phase, any mitigating factors are presented by her defense attorney. Ms. Curry-Demus may have an affirmitive defense, insanity. However, if her attorneys decide to proceed with the insanity defense, a pretrial motion must be filed before the start of the trial. The State is entitled to notice of this defense.
Our South Carolina criminal defense attorneys located in Horry County have handled a variety of criminal charges ranging from DUI's to homicides. Our office is located in Myrtle Beach near the Market Commons.
