Category Archives: Brooke Bennett

Case of man charged with killing niece back in Vt

Posted on September 11, 2012 by | Leave a comment

BURLINGTON — The trial for a Vermont man charged with kidnapping and killing his 12-year-old niece in 2008 is at least a year away.
A federal appeals court in New York has sent the case of Michael Jacques back to Vermont for trial.
Jacques has pleaded not guilty to the death of Brooke Bennett. Federal prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.
The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New York recently turned down a defense request to reconsider its decision allowing prosecutors
to use evidence that Jacques tried to shift blame for the killing to a make-believe international sex ring.
The Burlington Free Press reports Judge William Sessions has estimated the trial could last as long as four months. He scheduled a start date for Sept. 3, 2013.

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Posted in Brooke Bennett

AG candidates approve prosecution of Jacques case

Posted on August 2, 2012 by | Leave a comment

SOUTH BURLINGTON — Both Democrats running for Vermont attorney general say they oppose capital punishment. But neither is objecting to handing a notorious Vermont case over for federal prosecution, where the defendant could face death.
Attorney General William Sorrell and Chittenden County State’s Attorney T.J. Donovan both said in a debate taped for a WCAX-TV weekend broadcast that they oppose the death penalty.
But both also said they were OK with the federal government taking over the prosecution of Michael Jacques, who is charged in the 2008 rape and murder of his 12-year-old niece Brooke Bennett in Randolph. Federal prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for Jacques, who has pleaded not guilty.
The two-part debate will be aired on the WCAX show “You Can Quote Me” the next two Sundays.

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Posted in Brooke Bennett, Crime

Hearing scheduled in Jacques’ case

Posted on June 29, 2012 by | Leave a comment

BURLINGTON — Four years after a Vermont man was charged with abducting, sexually assaulting and killing his 12-year-old niece, lawyers are expected to gather in court for an update on his case.
The Burlington Free Press reports a “scheduling conference” regarding Michael Jacques is on Friday’s calendar in U.S. District Court in Burlington.
Jacques awaits trial. He’s been in federal custody since Brooke Bennett went missing in 2008. Her body was found a mile from his home.
Friday marks four years since the 46-year-old Jacques was arrested. He’s pleaded not guilty.
Lawyers are waiting for a ruling from a judicial panel in New York on whether past allegations of sexual misconduct can be mentioned.

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Posted in Brooke Bennett, Crime