New Details in Killing of Marine and Wife

Marines accused in robbery, sexual assault and murder of a Camp Pendleton-based Marine and his wife, sat in court as attorneys discussed whether to seek the death penalty in the case, according to a published report.

The four Marines sat shackled in Riverside Superior Court Monday as attorneys discussed upcoming proceedings, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Pvt. Kevin Darnell Cox, 20, of Tennessee; Pvt. Emrys John, 18, of Maryland; Lance Cpl. Tyrone Miller, 20, of North Carolina; and Pvt. Kesuan Sykes, 21, of California  were charged with the execution-style slayings of Marine Sgt. Jan Pawek Pietrzak and Quiana Faye Jenkins-Pietrzak. The couple, who were originally from New York, were found gagged, tied and shot in the head on Oct. 15 in the living room of their home in Winchester

The couple's home was ransacked and jewelry and other items were taken. A fire was set, apparently in an effort to destroy evidence. The Camp Pendleton-based Marine sergeant and his wife were tortured before they were shot execution-style, according to a published report.

Investigators said they believe the motive was financial in nature.

New information reportedly revealed in Monday's hearing include one suspect admitting to cutting off one victim's clothes, a pair of shoes matching impressions on one victim's body found in one suspect's barracks and how the suspects were able to enter the home. Click here to read the UT article.

According to the report, a hearing will be held January 22 to discuss the penalty phase and a final decision should be reached by the beginning of February.

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