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Vt. Girl's Death a Homicide: Investigators

Uncle faces execution in abduction of 12-year-old

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 8, 2008 9:40 AM CDT

(Newser) – The death of a 12-year-old Vermont girl was murder, prosecutors said yesterday, and her uncle may face the death penalty under federal kidnapping laws. A judge ordered Brooke Bennett’s uncle, who has not been charged with kidnapping but not murder, held without bail after Bennett’s body was found near his home, the Barre-Montpelier Times Argus reports.

Michael Stephen Jacques, 42, planted torn clothing near a highway to divert police, said a federal prosecutor, calling him a "danger to the community." He allegedly enlisted the help of a 14-year-old whom he had been sexually assaulting for 5 years to help him plant evidence. Bennett’s ex-stepfather, who faces charges of obstruction of justice, was also ordered held without bail.

Vermont AG William Sorrell answers questions July 3, 2008, in Burlington, Vt., where prosecutors announced Michael Jacques faces federal kidnapping charges in the death of Brooke Bennett.
Vermont AG William Sorrell answers questions July 3, 2008, in Burlington, Vt., where prosecutors announced Michael Jacques faces federal kidnapping charges in the death of Brooke Bennett.   (AP Photo/Alden Pellett)
Brooke Bennett's father, Jim Bennett, is comforted by a supporter before the start of the vigil for Brooke in Randolph Vt. on Wednesday, July 2, 2008.
Brooke Bennett's father, Jim Bennett, is comforted by a supporter before the start of the vigil for Brooke in Randolph Vt. on Wednesday, July 2, 2008.   (AP Photo/Glenn Russell)
In this June 30, 2008 file photo, Michael Jacques, 42, appears in Chelsea District Court in Chelsea, Vt.
In this June 30, 2008 file photo, Michael Jacques, 42, appears in Chelsea District Court in Chelsea, Vt.   (AP Photo/Stefan Hard)
This undated photo released by Vermont State Police shows Brooke Bennett.
This undated photo released by Vermont State Police shows Brooke Bennett.   (AP Photo/Vermont State Police)
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