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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe Indiana Supreme Court has turned down the request of a Gary man accused of slaying seven women to look at the constitutionality of the state's death penalty statute before he goes to trial.
The Post-Tribune reports the court denied 46-year-old Darren Deon Vann's request Thursday, following suit with rulings in previous challenges in other Indiana cases.
Vann argued the statute possibly violates the Eighth Amendment prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment. His defense attorneys argued the issue should be addressed before a trial is set to save time and money.
The defense says the decision impacts not only Vann but "every other pending death penalty case in Indiana."
Vann has a status hearing Friday in Lake County to discuss pending matters in his case.
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