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Grand jury expected to convene soon in Mont Vernon attacks

E-mail|Link|Comments () October 9, 2009 04:29 PM

By Maria Cramer, Globe Staff

A grand jury could convene as early as next week in the case of four teenagers accused of killing a 42-year-old woman in Mont Vernon, N.H., and seriously injuring her 11-year-old daughter, according to the prosecutor in the case.

Senior Assistant Attorney General N. William Delker said that the grand jury would listen to witness testimony and weigh whether to bring additional charges.

Asked if there could be more suspects arrested, Delker said "the grand jury will consider all of the evidence and make a decision about what charges should be made ... We'll evaluate whether anyone else had culpability and should be charged."

Prosecutors charged Steven Spader, 17, and Christopher Gribble, 19, with first-degree murder and attempted murder for allegedly killing Kimberly Cates in her bed early Sunday morning. They have not entered pleas, the customary practice for serious crimes in New Hampshire, and were ordered held without bail.

The two other teenagers -- William Marks, 18, and Quinn Glover, 17 -- face charges of burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary, and armed robbery.

The injured girl, Jaimie Cates, is recovering at Children's Hospital in Boston. Her father, who was away on business at the time of the murder, has been at her side. A victim witness advocate said today that Jaimie Cates had been moved out of the intensive care unit.

Prosecutors said the teenagers went to the house to steal valuables, but had planned to kill anyone who was home.