DA ROD PACHECO TO SEEK THE DEATH PENALTY AGAINST NEIL EDMUND

INDIO, CA - District Attorney Rod Pacheco will seek the death penalty on 28-year-old Neil Augustus Edmund. Edmund has been charged with special circumstance murder for the death of Juan Pablo Munoz-Tovar, a store clerk and father of five.

"This defendant has been terrorizing the community of Desert Hot Springs for more than a decade." said District Attorney Rod Pacheco. "Five children lost their father as a result of this defendant and the death penalty would be an appropriate and just punishment."

On February 4, 2009, Edmund entered the Super One Foodstore in the City of Desert Hot Springs armed with a handgun. After attempting to take cash, Edmund shot Juan Pablo Munoz-Tovar killing him instantly. An investigation determined that Edmund was responsible for the murder and charges were filed against him on February 18, 2009.

The District Attorney made the final decision this morning upon the completion of the death penalty review process. The process includes a meeting between the District Attorney and the victim's family members as well as a meeting between the District Attorney and the defense attorney. After those meetings, the District Attorney discusses the facts and circumstances of the case with senior level attorneys, investigators, and victim advocates at the District Attorney's Office before arriving at the final decision. Along with the facts of the current case, gang membership, criminal history and childhood history are among the multiple factors considered before the final decision is rendered.

Edmund is next scheduled to appear in court on June 9, 2009, for a felony settlement conference at 8:30 a.m. in Department 3N.