13 WTHR IndianapolisLife sentence without parole sought for Cumberland double murder suspects

Life sentence without parole sought for Cumberland double murder suspects

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Michael Bell Michael Bell
Jeremy Priel, right Jeremy Priel, right

The men accused in the December 2011 deaths of a young girl and her uncle could face life sentences without parole.

Marion County Prosecutor Terry Curry announced that he field the request Monday.

Michael Bell and Jeremy Priel have been charged with four counts of murder in the shooting deaths of Kyleigh Crane and Jeremy Crane.

A sentence of life without parole requires aggravating circumstances. Curry said the murders were committed while committing the crime of robbery, that Kyleigh Crane was less than 12 years of age at the time of her death, and that there were two murders committed.

Last year, the Marion County Prosecutor's Office created a committee review procedure to evaluate the circumstances of any homicide which would involve capital punishment or life without parole. That procedure typically involves "a deliberative and critical analysis of the case, both in terms of facts and law, in-depth discussions with homicide detectives, and consultation with the family members."

Bell and Priel also face charges of Robbery (Class A Felony) and one count of carrying a handgun without a license (Class A Misdemeanor). A sentence enhancement for use of a firearm also was filed.

The next court appearance scheduled for both is a pre-trial conference on February 1 at 9:00 am in Court 4.