Death penalty sought for killer of Fil-Am couple

CHICAGO – Illinois state prosecutors have served “notice of intent to seek death penalty" against the suspected killer of a Filipino-American couple in Rockford, Illinois last year. Winnebago County State Attorney Joseph Bruscato’s “notice of intent to seek death penalty" will be up for oral argument on September 22. Omarrian Jones, 25, is suspected of killing Reynato Cardino, 77, and his wife, Leticia, 75, in their home in Pleasant View, Rockford on July 8, 2009. According to Bruscato's notice, one aggravating circumstance that will make Jones eligible for the death penalty is that the murder was committed “in the course of another felony." The slain couple “received physical injuries inflicted by the defendant substantially contemporaneously with physical injuries caused by one or more persons for whose conduct the defendant is legally accountable." The notice added that the “murder was committed in a cold, calculated and premeditated manner pursuant to a preconceived plan, scheme or design to take a human life by unlawful means, and the conduct of the defendant created a reasonable expectation that the death of a human being would result therefrom." Jones pleaded not guilty During the arraignment on April 12, Jones pleaded not guilty. However, trial was delayed as there was a question about Jones’ fitness to stand trial. Judge White later found Jones “fit to stand trial." Jones was charged with two counts of first-degree murder for the “blunt instrument" killing of the elderly Cardino couple. If convicted of murders, Jones could be sentenced to natural life or death penalty. Deputy State Attorney Hite Ross explained that the death penalty is still in effect in the state although former Illinois Governor George Ryan pardoned all the prisoners in the Illinois Death Row and there is a moratorium in carrying out death sentence. It was reported that Jones was identified after DNA samples of the skin taken from the fingernails of the victims’ eldest son, Reyle Cardino, 51, was traced to Jones. Traces of Jones' DNA were found on the fingernails of Reyle's, who tried to fight Jones as the suspect was killing his parents. Jones reportedly also threatened Reyle, “you are next." Reyle, who happened to be visiting his parents on the night of the murder, sustained wounds on his face. The victim, Reynaldo Cardino, a retired mechanical engineer, worked part-time assembling bikes at Wal-Mart. His wife Letie, a retired licensed architect, worked as building inspector for the city of Rockford. Reynaldo and Leticia are natives of Baliangao, and Sapang Dalaga, Misamis Occidental in the Philippines. –VVP, GMANews.TV