Police say slain Ark. anchorwoman beaten with garden tool; judge OKs death penalty option
By Jon Gambrell, APTuesday, October 6, 2009
Police: Anchorwoman beaten with wood-handled tool
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — A police detective says the man accused in the death of an Arkansas anchorwoman told officers that he beat her with a wooden-handled garden tool.
Curtis Lavelle Vance faces the death penalty in last October’s attack on KATV personality Anne Pressly at her home. Detectives said Vance told officers he broke in to steal a laptop.
Detective Tommy Hudson testified Tuesday that Vance told officers that when Pressly woke up and found him, he hit her with the garden tool about four times.
Vance has pleaded not guilty to capital murder and other charges. He is set for trial Nov. 2.
Pulaski County Circuit Judge Chris Piazza was holding the hearing to consider a defense request to keep certain evidence from jurors. Piazza ruled earlier that prosecutors could pursue the death penalty.
