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Last updated on Tuesday, August 19, 2014
(INDIANAPOLIS) - The man who could face the death penalty for the murders of four people on the southeast side of Indy wants a judge to let him get married while in jail.
Kenneth Rackemann's attorneys filed a motion last week asking the judge to reconsider a request to marry his fiancee, Tia Brassfield, even though he is jailed without parole for the murders that took place February 20. The Marion County Jail will not allow the wedding to take place unless a judge approves it. "Marriage is one of the basic civil rights of man, fundamental to our existence and survival," the motion said. "That right is enjoyed by both pretrial detainees and convicted inmates." The motion makes reference to a federal court order that says not allowing a marriage to someone who is in jail violates their constitutional rights unless it is in the best interest of the penal system.
Rackemann is charged with killing Walter Burnell, 47, Kristy Sanchez, 22, Jacob Rodemich, 43 and Hayley Navarro, 21 during a robbery of a house in the 3400 block of South Parker Avenue. Court documents show that Rackemann had previously worked security for Burnell, who was a known drug dealer, and they allege the murders took place during an attempt to rob the house of drug money.
Marion County Prosecutor Terry Curry will seek the death penalty for Rackemann. Three others were charged in connection with the murders and one, Samatha Bradley, has already pleaded guilty to conspiracy and agreed to testify against Rackemann. Rackemann's attorney asked in a separate court filing for the judge to toss out the possibility of the death penalty, saying it violated Rackemann's constitutional rights.
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