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Death Penalty Charge Filed In Jessica Lunsford Slaying

Police Say Child Was Sexually Assaulted Before Her Death

POSTED: Monday, March 21, 2005

The Citrus County sheriff's office in Florida has charged John Couey with the capital murder of 9-year-old Jessica Marie Lunsford.

Citrus County Sheriff Jeff Dawsy said that he doesn't believe "you get two chances when you get involved with a young child."

Couey is also charged with burglary with battery, kidnapping, and sexual battery on a child under the age of 12. Officials said he would be arraigned Tuesday morning.

The body of Jessica Lunsford was found over the weekend. Police said Couey, 46, a convicted sex offender, confessed.

The Citrus County sheriff said Couey entered Jessica's house through an unlocked door, snatched the girl from her bed and later sexually assaulted her before killing her.

Dawsy said medical examiners confirmed the sexual assault. But, Dawsy said, because the suspect was in a "drug haze" during the abduction, it may never be known how long she was held before she was killed. She was last seen alive Feb. 23.

The girl's body was found near a mobile home where Couey had been staying -- about 150 yards from her house.

Couey's half-sister and two others who lived in the home are charged with obstructing police for failing to notify authorities when Couey allegedly told them he had committed a crime.

Forgiveness Hard For Jessica's Father

How can a father forgive his child's killer?

That's a question Christians ponder this Holy Week as they remember Jesus' words from the cross: "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do."

In Florida, a grieving Mark Lunsford said he wants the killer of his 9-year-old daughter Jessica to be executed and sent to "hell."

Lunsford said anyone who acts like that does not "deserve to be amongst us." He said he'd like to confront the killer himself.

But at the Baptist church that Jessica attended, the pastor asked his congregation Sunday to both pray for the Lunsford family and forgive the suspect.

Lunsford said he and his relatives will soon begin planning Jessica's funeral.

Friends, Family Remember Jessica

Friends and relatives of Jessica held a candlelight vigil last night in a tearful tribute to the slain child.

Jessica Lunsford
Jessica Lunsford
Jessica spent much of her life in Gaston County, N.C., before moving to Florida with her father, Mark, about a year and a half ago. When she disappeared, former neighbors and friends sold barbecue plates to raise money for the family and recalled how the shy daddy's girl would refuse to talk to strangers.

On Sunday night, more than 100 supporters gathered again to honor her with a candlelight vigil outside The Boardwalk, where Mark Lunsford worked as a bartender. They remembered Jessica as a happy girl who loved to sing.

Donations can be made out to "Jessica Marie Lunsford Fund" and sent to the following address:

SunTrust Bank
Mail Code Fl Homosassa-0111
P.O.Box 156
Attn: Jamie
Brooksville, FL
34605

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