CLEVELAND, Ohio – Federal prosecutors have taken a formal step that could lead toward seeking the death penalty for two men accused of killing a Warren mail carrier, according to court records filed Thursday.
During a meeting with U.S. District Judge Donald Nugent, the government confirmed it has “hand submitted” a death penalty proposal to the Capital Crimes Committee regarding Kaprise Sledge, 24, and Thomas Sledge, 44. This committee acts as a central reviewer for the Department of Justice to ensure that the death penalty is not used randomly or unfairly across different states.
Although the local prosecutors have submitted this proposal, it does not necessarily mean that the death penalty will be sought in the case. The committee must first review the facts of the case and provide a recommendation to the U.S. Attorney General, who holds the final authority to decide whether to proceed with pursuing the death penalty.
Both men are charged in the March 2024 shooting death of Jonte Davis, who was working as a U.S. Postal Service carrier at the time. Defense lawyers for the men told the judge they are not willing to discuss a plea deal or resolve the case until they hear back from the committee.
