State Roundup

Detroit: Death penalty case could end with plea deal
DETROIT (AP) — Two Detroit-area men facing a possible federal death penalty for the murder of an armored-truck courier may close their cases with a plea bargain.

Any deal for Norman Duncan and Kevin Watson would take the death penalty off the table. Court filings show federal Judge Victoria Roberts wants an update on negotiations on Dec. 9.

Duncan and Watson are charged with killing Norman Stephens in 2001 during a $204,000 robbery at a Dearborn credit union.

In August, co-defendant Timothy O’Reilly was found guilty, but the jury gave him life in prison instead of a death sentence. Less than half the jurors favored death.

Michigan’s Constitution forbids the death penalty in state court, but it’s an option for murders prosecuted in federal court.

Grand Rapids: Supreme Court’s  Alito speaks to Catholic lawyers
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) — U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito has spoken to Catholic lawyers and has administered the lawyer’s oath to them during a Mass at a Grand Rapids church.

Alito joined members of the Catholic Lawyers Association of West Michigan and diocesan canon lawyers on Monday at the annual Red Mass at the Cathedral of St. Andrew.

The Diocese of Grand Rapids says in a release the Mass provides an opportunity for members of the legal profession to recommit to the highest principles of their profession.

Alito was scheduled to speak at a dinner following the Mass.

Alito is Roman Catholic and joined the Supreme Court in 2006.

Melvindale: Teen to stand trial in homecoming sexual assault
MELVINDALE, Mich. (AP) — A 17-year-old student will stand trial on accusations that he raped a 14-year-old girl in a Detroit-area hotel room after Melvindale High School’s homecoming dance.

The Wayne County prosecutor’s office said Monday that Tra-von Hampton has been bound over to circuit court on a charge of third-degree criminal sexual conduct.

Hampton is scheduled to be arraigned Nov. 8.

Two 16-year-olds also face the same charge in the Oct. 3 incident. Their cases are being handled in juvenile court. Authorities say the girl had access to alcohol before she was assaulted.

Hampton’s attorney Robert Mullen says he plans to put up a “vigorous defense” and evidence against his client “is questionable.”

Hampton is free on bond.

Lansing: Watchdog breaks down campaign contributions
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — In the race for Michigan Supreme Court, trial lawyers and unions are financially supporting Democrats while business groups are backing the Republican nominees.

The Michigan Campaign Finance Network looked at donations for Republicans Robert Young Jr. and Mary Beth Kelly and Democrats Alton Davis and Denise Langford Morris.

The Michigan Education Association has given a total of $50,000 to the Morris and Davis campaigns. The lawyers group the Michigan Association for Justice political-action committee has given $34,000 to Davis.

Young’s campaign has received $140,000 from groups for bankers, hospitals, Realtors, farmers and doctors.

Kelly’s campaign has received at least $34,000 from members of the DeVos family, prominent Republicans in Grand Rapids.

Lansing: New drunken driving law coming on Halloween
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — A new Michigan law is coming that increases the penalties against drunken drivers.

The law that takes effect Sunday creates a new “high blood-alcohol content” category for drivers. The law roughly doubles many penalties for motorists with a blood-alcohol content of .17 — more than twice the legal limit.

Such drivers could face up to 180 days in jail — increased from 93 — and a one-year license suspension — up from six months.

A suspended motorist can drive with restrictions after 45 days, but he must have a device installed in his vehicle that prevents it from starting if it measures a blood-alcohol level of at least .025.