TAMPA, FL -- Prosecutors say a man accused of killing a 3-month-old boy should pay with his life. That may put a wrench in his new plans to get married.
Richard McTear Jr. was in court Wednesday morning. His defense attorney asked for more time to read over the evidence before its released to the public. Before the hearing, prosecutors announced they will seek the death penalty at his trial.
Mctear is facing charges for kidnapping 3 month old baby, Emanuel Murray, after beating his mother and throwing the child onto a concrete floor in the early morning hours of May 5.
Police say Mctear later tossed the baby from his car window onto Interstate 275 near Fowler Avenue in Tampa. The baby was pronounced dead alongside the Interstate shortly after paramedics arrived.
Public defenders representing McTear at the Wednesday hearing were expected to ask judge Gregory Holder to limit the release of pre-trial discovery until they can review it. The discovery includes witness statements, forensic testing, telephone records and other materials.
Mctear's 40-year-old fiancé, Ida Williams, sobbed and wiped tears from her face as the judge denied the request.
Shortly after his arrest arraignment May 20, McTear was heard yelling outside "I love you Jasmine," when referring to his ex-girlfriend Jasmine Bedwell, the mother of the slain baby. The judge asked him Wednesday to avoid any contact with the mother and her family while his fiance listened.
