KFVS12 News & Weather Cape Girardeau, Carbondale, Poplar BluffProsecutors seek death penalty for Ferris in West Frankfort double homicide

Prosecutors seek death penalty for Ferris in West Frankfort double homicide

By Carly O'Keefe - bio | email

BENTON, IL (KFVS) - A 19-year-old woman facing murder charges showed no emotion when she appeared in a Franklin county courtroom Wednesday.

There were no tears, no visible signs of remorse, or even a look of shock as prosecutors revealed they plan to seek the death penalty for Afton Ferris.

Ferris appeared in a Franklin county courtroom for her preliminary hearing on charges of first degree murder, armed robbery and home invasion.  Ferris, along with her boyfriend, 30-year-old Michael Schallert, are accused in the October shooting deaths of 32-year-old Terri Seibeck and 28-year-old Kandis Majors of West Frankfort.

The defense asked the court to issue a continuance for the preliminary hearing in response to the prosecution’s plan to seek the death penalty in this case.

Illinois law requires that two attorneys certified by the Illinois Supreme Court to handle capital cases represent any defendant potentially facing the death penalty. Ferris' current public defender is not certified as such. Two new certified attorneys will be appointed and will appear alongside Ferris on Friday, November 20th at 9:30 a.m. for her new preliminary hearing date.

Meanwhile, Michael Schallert remains behind bars in Larimer County Colorado pending extradition. Authorities say they do expect him to return to Illinois to face charges soon, but don't have an official date of arrival at this point.

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