death penalty news July 18, 2004
WYOMING: Death penalty sought in Riverton child's death Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against the parents of a 22-month-old girl who police say was abused to death. Macalia Marcine Blackburn, 22, and Andrew John Yellowbear Jr., 29, both of Riverton, are charged with first-degree murder in the death of their child, Marcella Hope Yellowbear. The little girl suffered a skull fracture and numerous other injuries, including broken bones and burns, police say. Felony murder is punishable by death or life imprisonment without parole. The child was pronounced dead at the Riverton Memorial Hospital on July 2. Both Blackburn and Yellowbear have blamed the other for abusing the child. The two remain in jail. Circuit Court Judge Donald Hall said the two were not entitled to bond because prosecutors were seeking the death penalty. (source: AP)
