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Update: Murderer Takes Plea Deal

362 views · Published 8 June 2012 · 2:39 · Indexed 27 September 2026

Channel: WTVC NewsChannel 9 · 2012 · News & Politics

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by Karen Zatkulak

A tearful plea in court Friday afternoon, doesn't stop a plea deal for a man who murdered two people during a robbery. Daniel Densmore admitted to the fatal shootings of a 14-year-old and 61-year-old.But it was not the outcome one of the victim's family members wanted. The defendant, Daniel Densmore, walked in to court with his head down. He spoke softly when he responded to the judge, admitting to the murders. Meanwhile, one of the victim's family members maintains that he did not get the punishment he deserved.Seara Adair says, "I tried, I didn't just sit down and take it, I tried and I failed, but it's all I can do I guess."Adair spent the week pushing a petition, hoping for support that her sister's killer would get the death penalty. Krista Babb was only 14-years-old, and happened to be at Wayne Smith's home on September 17th, sleeping in back bedroom, when Daniel Densmore came to rob Smith. In court on Friday, we learned Densmore bought a gun that morning, and shot Smith three times. When Babb woke up, he shot her too. He then left the home, returning later with gasoline, to set it on fire. It's a tragic killing, and Adair says Densmore should have to pay his own life for the crimes. "The fact that when it comes time for him to die that he'll be in hospice care is infuriating and I'll never stop thinking about that."Adair herself pleaded before the judge during the hearing, crying as she asked that the plea deal be denied. But Judge Cindy Morris said the deal that Densmore cut, two counts of life without parole, was appropriate and the best outcome for justice. His attorney, Mike McCarthy, agreed. "He may have received the same outcome from a trial, or he could have been sentenced to death."Densmore's family left the courtroom in tears as well, not wishing to comment. District Attorney Bert Poston added that the victims' families disagreed on Densmore's punishment. Smith's family did not want the death penalty trial that Adair was hoping for. Poston admits, is difficult for everyone. "Death penalty trials are difficult for everyone, for all victims families, appeals for years, for decades, very difficult."The plea deal did not include other charges against Densmore like arson. He does have a criminal history including theft, forgery and burglary.

Update: Murderer Takes Plea Deal

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