News

Attorneys argue over whether to split 2 cases against Vann

Posted March 11, 2016 6:00 am

The Associated Press

CROWN POINT, Ind. (AP) - A judge has delayed ruling on whether to separate two murder cases faced by an Indiana man who has confessed to killing seven women.

Lake Superior Court Judge Samuel Cappas said Friday he'll take up the matter facing 44-year-old Darren Vann again April 22.

Defense attorney Mark Bates says there are key differences in the slayings of 19-year-old Afrikka Hardy and 35-year-old Anith Jones.

The (Munster) Times reports (http://bit.ly/21n2mFT ) Lake County Deputy Prosecutor Michelle Jatkiewicz argued the cases are similar because Vann contacted both women through a website, strangled each with the same extension cord, and was motivated by anger and sex in both cases.

Vann faces a July 25 trial date in the two cases. He has pleaded not guilty.

He was charged this week with five additional murders.

___

Information from: The Times, http://www.thetimesonline.com

Article Comments

Article Categories
Content Providers Indiana News Region

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.