St. Maarten to hold trial in killing of Mount Pleasant couple
PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten — A trial date has been set for three suspects accused of killing a couple from South Carolina who lived in the Caribbean island of St. Maarten.
A judge said today that the trial will begin April 9, with a verdict likely in May.
Michael and Thelma King of Mount Pleasant were found stabbed to death in their beachfront apartment in September. Police later arrested a Jamaican security guard, along with a 17-year-old from St. Maarten and a 20-year-old from Guyana.
Attorneys for the two younger suspects have requested a mental evaluation ahead of the trial. Prosecutors also say they are awaiting forensic evidence including DNA test results.
A procedural hearing will be held on Feb. 19 to address those issues.
Comments { }
Postandcourier.com is pleased to offer readers the enhanced ability to comment on stories. We expect our readers to engage in lively, yet civil discourse. Postandcourier.com does not edit user submitted statements and we cannot promise that readers will not occasionally find offensive or inaccurate comments posted in the comments area. Responsibility for the statements posted lies with the person submitting the comment, not postandcourier.com. If you find a comment that is objectionable, please click "report abuse" and we will review it for possible removal. Please be reminded, however, that in accordance with our Terms of Use and federal law, we are under no obligation to remove any third party comments posted on our website. Read our full Terms and Conditions.