CHARLOTTE, N.C., Dec. 5 (UPI) -- The Zahra Baker case may lead to first-degree murder charges and the death penalty, a North Carolina prosecutor says.
Catawba County District Attorney James Gaither would not confirm or deny any agreement with Zahra's stepmother, Elisa Baker, but he told The Charlotte (N.C.) Observer in a published report Saturday: "We're under no obligation not to pursue capital murder charges or first-degree murder charges against any individual if there is sufficient and credible evidence to prove that Zahra Baker was murdered by that individual."
Television stations have said Gaither signed a deal with Baker letting her escape the death penalty and first-degree murder charges if she cooperates in the investigation. But a source told the Observer it depends on Baker being truthful in her assistance.
Zahra, 10, who had lost part of her leg to bone cancer, was reported missing Oct. 9. Some of her remains were found a month later in two different places.
No one has been charged in her death, and both Elisa Baker and Zahra's father, Adam Baker, have denied any wrongdoing.
Elisa Baker is in jail on obstruction of justice charges. Police say she admitted writing a fake ransom note to throw investigators off the trail.
