Rape Charges Added Against Stepfather In Teen Girl's Slaying
HAGERSTOWN, Md. (AP) -- A grand jury has added rape to the charges facing a Hagerstown man in the slaying of his 17-year-old stepdaughter.
Washington County State's Attorney Charles Strong announced the indictment Wednesday against 35-year-old Ernie Chase.
Chase was arrested in May after police said he confessed to strangling Melissa Collins and hiding her naked body in their home.
He was previously charged with first- and second-degree murder and first-degree child abuse. The new charges include first- and second-degree rape and sexual abuse of a minor. He faces a possible life sentence if convicted of first-degree rape.
Chase's public defender didn't immediately return a telephone call from The Associated Press.
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