Du Pont Won’t Face The Death Penalty

Prosecutors said Tuesday that they would not pursue the death penalty in the murder case against John du Pont, who is accused of killing an Olympic wrestling champion in late January.

District Attorney Patrick Meehan issued a statement that he had notified du Pont’s lawyers and Judge Patricia Jenkins of the Court of Common Pleas of his decision. If convicted of the murder charge in the death of David Schultz, du Pont could face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

“Our analysis causes us to conclude that no aggravating circumstance is present,” Meehan said. “Accordingly, the death penalty is not a sentence which can be imposed in this case.”