By AP/KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – Some Missouri lawmakers want to make it easier to charge anyone suspected of killing a child with first-degree murder.
The idea stems from the case in Kansas City of Precious Doe. The girl's headless body was found in 2001; she was identified last year as Erica Green.
Her stepfather was initially charged with second-degree murder, but supporters say he could have been charged faster with first-degree murder if Missouri's law were changed.
The bill would add torture, mutilation and other circumstances as reasons to file a first-degree murder charge against anyone accused in a child murder.
Prosecutors would not have to show that the suspect deliberated before carrying out the killing.