Death penalty sought against three soldiers

LUDOWICI, Ga. (AP) — A prosecutor says he will seek the death penalty against three Georgia-based soldiers accused of killing two people to protect an anti-government militia. District Attorney Tom Durden announced in Long County Superior Court on Thursday that he will seek the death penalty for Army Pvt. Isaac Aguigui, Sgt. Anthony Peden and Pvt. Christopher Salmon. The three Fort Stewart soldiers are scheduled to be arraigned Thursday on charges of malice murder, felony murder and criminal gang activity in the Dec. 4 slayings of former soldier Michael Roark and his girlfriend, 17-year-old Tiffany York. As Peden was on the stand during Thursday’s court hearing, a relative of York tried to rush the defense table, and at least four deputies and officers wrestled the family member to the floor and handcuffed him.