Journal file photo
Pleau
PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- A lawyer for accused killer Jason Pleau argued Friday that he should be tried separately from his alleged co-conspirator because of the "reverse halo effect."
Jurors will know that unlike his co-defendant, Pleau is facing the death penalty for his alleged crimes, David Hoose told Judge William Smith. "Someone already made the determination that he's worthy of the death penalty."
Prosecutor Adi Goldstein countered that juries are presumed to decide guilt or innocence based on the facts and law. She asked Smith not to force witnesses and the victim's family to "relive that awful day" more than once.
Authorities say Pleau conspired with Jose Santiago and Kelley Lajoie to rob gas station manager David Main outside a Woonsocket bank. Prosecutors say it was Pleau who fatally shot Main.