Menallen Township couple could face death penalty in toddler鈥檚 death
A Menallen Township couple accused of killing a 2-year-old through abuse and neglect could face a death sentence if they are convicted of first-degree murder.
Emmanuel Dennis, 33, is accused of hitting Margaret Nunn until she was unresponsive and kicking her across the floor. Celia Nunn, 30, the girl鈥檚 mother, is accused of knowing what was happening to her daughter and failing to protect her.
In a notice filed earlier this week, Fayette County District Attorney Mike Aubele contended two aggravating circumstances enabled him to seek a death sentence: Margaret Nunn鈥檚 young age, and allegations that Dennis and Celia Nunn tortured the child.
鈥淎s far as the torture goes, the repeated abuse led us to believe that the child suffered for a prolonged period before passing away,鈥� Aubele said Wednesday. 鈥淲e will do everything in our power to severely punish those who harm our children. This type of conduct will not be tolerated in the county.鈥�
During a preliminary hearing last month, Trooper Daniel Boyd testified Celia Nunn told him Dennis took Margaret into a room and hit her over a period of 5 to 10 minutes.
Boyd also reported that Dennis admitted to hitting the child about six times over the weekend and kicking the 2-year-old.
First responders were called to the home in the Village of Searight Dennis and Celia Nunn shared with Margaret last Oct. 21 after the child stopped breathing. She was taken to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Nunn is represented by the public defender鈥檚 office. A representative of the office declined a request for comment. Attorney Brent Peck, who represents Dennis, did not return a call for comment.