A man who pleaded guilty to his part in the torture-murder of Jennifer Daugherty was once again sentenced to death.
The Tribune-Review reports that the jury in Melvin Knightâs re-sentencing hearing deliberated seven hours before sentencing Knight to death. Knight was originally sentenced to death in 2012, but a state appeals court in 2016 overturned the death sentence and ordered a re-sentencing hearing take place.
During closing arguments yesterday, DA John Peck described Knight as mean and vindictive, saying that he was one of the worst offenders and deserved the death penalty. Defense Attorney Tim Dawson said Knight was compliant, saying that co-conspirator Ricky Smyrnes used Melvin Knight as part of the plan to kill Daugherty.
