Prosecutors to seek death penalty in deaths of 2 in Texas

BELTON, Texas (AP) – Prosecutors in Texas say they will seek the death penalty for a professional MMA fighter accused in the deaths of two people whose bodies were found in a shallow grave in Oklahoma.
Bell County District Attorney Henry Garza said Monday that his office has filed formal notice to seek the death penalty against 45-year-old Cedric Marks. Marks was indicted for the slayings of 28-year-old Jenna Scott and 32-year-old Michael Swearingin.
Investigators say the two friends were killed January 3rd at a residence in Killeen, Texas, about 127 miles (204 kilometers) southwest of Dallas. Their bodies were found in a shallow grave in Clearview, Oklahoma, about 80 miles (129 kilometers) east of Oklahoma City.
Marks, who was Jenna Scott’s ex-boyfriend, has pleaded not guilty. His current girlfriend, Maya Maxwell, also faces charges in the case.