Prosecutors decide against seeking death penalty for escapees - WAFB 9 News Baton Rouge, Louisiana News, Weather, Sports

Prosecutors decide against seeking death penalty for escapees

Posted: Updated:
Darian "Drake" Pierce and Ricky Wedgeworth Darian "Drake" Pierce and Ricky Wedgeworth
JACKSON, MS (WAFB) -

Two men who escaped from Louisiana State Police custody and are accused of killing a man while on the run will not be facing the death penalty.

Federal prosecutors in Jackson, MS said the Justice Department decided against seeking the death penalty for Darian "Drake" Pierce and Ricky Wedgeworth.

The two are suspected of kidnapping and killing Ohio businessman David Cupps, 53, after they escaped the LSP compound in Baton Rouge on March 4, 2011.

Investigators said Cupps was attacked in Vicksburg, MS. His body was found in Bessemer, AL.

Both men were later arrested in Memphis, TN.

They have been charged with kidnapping resulting in death and carjacking resulting in death.

Both men have pleaded not guilty.

A preliminary trial date has been set for Aug. 6.

Copyright 2012 WAFB. All rights reserved.