Question: How could Ames have received the death penalty if he didn't actually kill Clyde's wife and daughter?
scaryterri
19th Feb 2018
Law Abiding Citizen (2009)
Answer: He was a participant in a felony during which someone died. That means the felony murder rule applies. Felony murder is a capital crime.
Yes, but wouldn't Darby have left DNA evidence on the wife and daughter instead of Ames? Ames is guilty of not doing more to stop Darby, but it was obvious from the scene that Darby was the one in charge.
Answer: They made a deal with Darby. Darby testified saying Ames was the one who killed the wife and daughter in order to get a reduced sentence. Since Shelton's testimony was inadmissible because he blacked out it was Darby's word again Ames'.
scaryterri ★
What about the DNA evidence? Wouldn't it have been easier to prove who actually raped and murdered Clyde's wife and daughter rather than relying on the testimony of a guy who already had a criminal record?