Woman Taking Plea Deal in Teen Shovel Death

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Updated: 11:01 AM Jan 24, 2012 Woman Taking Plea Deal in Teen Shovel Death One of two West Wendover High School students accused of killing a classmate and burying her in the desert has signed a plea deal that would spare her a possible death sentence or life without parole if she's convicted. Posted: 10:58 AM Jan 24, 2012 Reporter: Associated Press Email Address: news@kolotv.com

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ELKO, Nev. (AP) - One of two West Wendover High School students
accused of killing a classmate and burying her in the desert has signed a plea deal that would spare her a possible death sentence or life without parole if she's convicted.

An attorney representing 19-year-old Toni Fratto says the woman is appearing in an Elko court Friday to plead guilty to second-degree murder. She's also agreeing to testify against her 18-year-old former boyfriend, Kody Patten.

Her attorney, John Springgate, says she will face about 18 years in prison.

Patten's murder trial is scheduled to begin in March.

Both are accused of taking 16-year-old Micaela "Mickey" Costanzo to a remote area near the Utah-Nevada border on March 3, 2011. She was struck in the head with a shovel and her throat was slit.

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Posted by: Cletus Location: Reno on Jan 24, 2012 at 04:38 PM

I agree with Michelle, sometimes prosecutors have to make a deal with the devil to get testimony against someone else. My guess is that when she gets out of jail she will be very old and white haired. Which is good since the death penalty is a joke and is never carried out anyway. It would of been turned over later in an appeal.

Posted by: Anon Location: Reno on Jan 24, 2012 at 04:23 PM

This worthless waste of flesh hand-in-hand with her equally worthless scumbag of a boyfried took it upon themselves to be judge, jury, and executioner, and showed not the slightest bit of leniency when they carried out their double-dead death sentence on their victim. Neither the courts, nor the public, nor God Himselft should show mercy upon either of these vile and evil murderers. Said it once, I'll say it again: HANG 'EM HIGH!

Posted by: Michele Location: reno on Jan 24, 2012 at 02:21 PM

Anon, the prosecutor is probably offering the girl leniency in exchange for her later testifying against the boyfriend. This is a horrible crime, and both should be punished harshly, but this could be the only way to get both of these scumbags to serve time.

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