07-17-2012, 04:13 PM
TOLEDO, OH (Toledo News Now) - The death penalty specification has been dropped in a murder suspect's trial Tuesday.
A judge decided Cameo Pettaway did not meet the state's standards because of mental issues. By law, individuals who are mentally challenged cannot face the death penalty.
Pettaway still faces life in prison if convicted.
Jury selection has now begun for his trial and opening arguments could begin later this week.
Pettaway and Samuel Williams are charged with the double murder of Johnny Clarke and Lisa Straub in Springfield Township back in January 2011. The couple was found inside the home of Straub's parents with their hands bound with duct tape and heads covered with bags
A judge decided Cameo Pettaway did not meet the state's standards because of mental issues. By law, individuals who are mentally challenged cannot face the death penalty.
Pettaway still faces life in prison if convicted.
Jury selection has now begun for his trial and opening arguments could begin later this week.
Pettaway and Samuel Williams are charged with the double murder of Johnny Clarke and Lisa Straub in Springfield Township back in January 2011. The couple was found inside the home of Straub's parents with their hands bound with duct tape and heads covered with bags
