NEWS

DA seeks death penalty for the rape, murder of 87-year-old Adams County woman

Sophie Kaplan
The Evening Sun

The death penalty is being sought in the case of the murder and rape of 87-year-old Virginia Barbour of Adams County. 

Adams County District Attorney Brian Sinnett made the announcement Thursday at Kristopher Gartrell's arraignment in the Adams County Court House.

Sinnett cited aggravating circumstances for the decision. 

Kristopher Zackarias Gartrell is charged with criminal homicide, kidnapping to facilitate a felony and rape by forcible compulsion, among other charges.

More:Man in Adams County charged with rape, homicide months after prison release

Barbour was found dead in her Huntington Township home the day before Thanksgiving, with her car and other belongings missing from her house. Gartrell was arrested Nov. 23, and charged the next day with murder and seven felonies, including rape, kidnapping and arson, among other charges. He was taken to Adams County prison with no bail. 

More:Man charged in homicide, rape tried to burn house to 'conceal his crimes,' cop says

At his arraignment, Gartrell entered a not guilty plea and requested a trial by jury. 

His next court date is at 8:30 a.m. on Feb. 4 to argue a petition for writ of habeas corpus, to have another preliminary hearing. 

Sophie Kaplan is a reporter at The Evening Sun. Follow her on Twitter @yofisofi.