Saturday, June 27, 2009

Judge decides whether prosecutors can seek death against man accused of killing pregnant fiancee

March 5, 2009 - 7:07PM

An accused killer could face the death penalty in his upcoming trial.

Michael Mead and his attorney, Rick Beam, listened in court Thursday afternoon as a judge approved the prosecutor's request to seek the death penalty.

"We understand what their contentions are. We obviously dispute them," said Beam. "The question is, is there any evidence to support their claim?"

Mead, 40, of Fort Mill, S.C., is charged with first-degree murder, rape, robbery with a dangerous weapon, burglary and arson in Lucy Johnson's July 16 slaying. Johnson, 31, was a nurse in Kings Mountain.

Police arrested Mead Jan. 9. Gaston County District Court Judge Michael Lands denied Mead a bond during his first court appearance Jan. 12, then denied it again during a follow-up hearing Jan. 16. But Superior Court Judge Richard Boner granted Mead a $650,000 bond Feb. 23.

Mead made bail Feb. 26. We walked out of the Gaston County Jail amidst a swarm of TV cameras and reporters. He gave no comment and refused to discuss the case again on the phone Thursday night.

"I can't comment. You'll have to talk to Rick," Mead said.

Mead did, however, speak briefly to TV crews as he left court Thursday, according to The Gazette's news partner, WSOC. When asked if he still maintains someone else committed the crime, Mead responded:

"We're not allowed to comment," he said. But then, "Yes, we definitely still believe that."

Gaston County police say Mead shot and killed the 31-year-old nurse and mother of two twice in the back of the head, stole the diamond solitaire engagement ring he had given her, then set her house ablaze to hide his crime. Her young daughter and infant son were not at the 4844 Hidden Meadow Court home outside of Cramerton when the fire began. Johnson was 15 weeks pregnant at the time of her death, according to an autopsy.

Beam said Thursday's stint in court was totally expected.

The defense attorney said he would represent his client as he does all of them. The threat of the death penalty will not change the process.

"Of course there's extra pressure," Beam said. "When I get these cases, I know what the stakes are."

Mead's case will now enter a discovery phase followed by an arraignment, Beam said. Trial preparations will then begin.

"It's a case like any other. Obviously the stakes are higher for both sides in the case," said Beam.

Prior to Mead's release, bail bondsmen Ned Polk placed an electronic monitory device on Mead's ankle. Polk is responsible for monitoring Mead's comings and goings and reporting them to the district attorney every three days.

Diane Turbyfill can be reached at 704-869-1817.

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