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Last updated 6:38 am CT February 09, 2010.

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State Could Seek Death Penalty For Ferris

FRANKLIN COUNTY-- Afton Ferris is just 19 years old, but she learned Wednesday that if convicted, she is eligible for the death penalty. Ferris and 29-year-old Mike Schallert each face two counts of first degree murder for a shooting on October 19th.

The two are accused of killing Kandis Majors and Terri Siebeck in their West Frankfort home. Police arrested the pair in Colorado a few days later.

On Monday Ferris appeared before a judge to ask for a court appointed attorney. The court assigned Eric Dirnbeck to the case, but on Wednesday during what was supposed to be a preliminary hearing, Dirnbeck motioned for the court to reassign the case and for a continuance.

Because the state could ask for the death penalty in this case, statute requires the defendant to have two certified attorneys savvy in death penalty cases. Dirnbeck is not certified, therefore, he asked the court to accept a motion to appoint two certified attorneys to the case by default. The judge granted the motion and reschedule the preliminary hearing for Friday. Even after learning the state could seek the death penalty, Ferris remained emotionless.

The state's attorney has 120 days to announce whether or not he plans to seek the death penalty.

As for Michael Schallert, News 3 has learned he is actually en route to Franklin County. Among multiple felony charges, he also faces two counts of first degree murder and will also be eligible for the death penalty...

By: Rachel Gartner
rgartner@wsiltv.com

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