Vermont man indicted in niece's death

BURLINGTON, Vt., Oct. 2 (UPI) -- The suspect in the abduction and death of his 12-year-old niece has been indicted in Burlington, Vt., on charges that could result in a death penalty.

Michael Jacques was charged in a six-count indictment with killing Brooke Bennett, 12 of Braintree, Vt., in a premeditated, intentional manner, "especially heinous, cruel, or depraved."

Jacques, 42, of Randolph, Vt., a convicted rapist, was accused of drugging, sexually assaulting, strangling and smothering the girl last June, The Burlington (Vt.) Free Press reported.

Court papers said Jacques told another girl he had allegedly abused that an Internet sex ring had ordered Brooke's death because she was causing problems.

There was reportedly no evidence in the court documents about troubles between Jacques and Brooke. The reported sex ring also was said to be a fabrication, the Free Press said.