A Bakersfield servicewoman accused of murdering a couple and kidnapping their baby more than 19 months ago will have her first evidentiary hearing beginning Monday in Fort Lewis, Wa.
The hearing
could lead to a recommendation that Army Specialist Ivette Davila be put to death for her crimes, the Army reported Wednesday. If she is convicted of murder,
the least she could get is life in prison, the Army said.
[...]
Davila admitted killing the couple earlier that day, saying
she was upset Randi Miller was having a romantic relationship with Davila's ex-boyfriend, according to court documents.
[...]
The hearing on Monday is known as an Article 32 pretrial investigation. It is similar to a preliminary hearing in California where evidence is presented by both prosecution and defense attorneys.
The evidence will be reviewed by an investigating officer who will recommend if charges should proceed to a court martial -- the Army equivalent of a trial.
The officer will also recommend whether it is appropriate to seek the death penalty or life in prison. It could be several weeks before he announces his decision, Fort Lewis spokeswoman Catherine Caruso said.
The hearing is expected to take three days, Caruso said.
If convicted, in addition to the prison or death sentence, she would be dishonorably discharged, her rank would reduced to private and she would lose all pay and allowances.
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