Defense Seeks No Death Penalty In Foxwell Slaying

ELKTON, Md. (AP) -- Lawyers for a man accused of killing an 11-year-old girl have filed a request to remove the death penalty as a sentencing option. 

The requests by public defenders Katy C. O'Donnell and Kay Beehler will be heard beginning Wednesday in Cecil County Circuit Court. 

The public defenders represent Thomas Leggs Jr., 31, who is charged with murder and other offenses in the kidnapping and slaying of Sarah Foxwell. Her burned remains were found Christmas Day 2009. The trial has been moved to Cecil County. 

O'Donnell and Beehler argue that the court should rule against Maryland's intent to seek the death penalty because the state's execution methods constitute cruel and unusual punishment. 

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