DA files notice to seek death penalty in Fairmount Park attack

Prosecutors have filed a formal notice announcing their intent to seek the death penalty against Cornell McNeal — the man accused of raping, beating and burning a woman in Fairmount Park nearly three years ago.

McNeal on Friday was arraigned on capital murder, first-degree murder and rape charges connected to the Nov. 14, 2014, random attack on 36-year-old Letitia Davis, a year and a half after question of his competency to stand trial stalled the case in 2015.

Davis, a newly engaged mother of four, was found naked and lying in a ring of fire at the park, near Wichita State University, on Nov. 14, 2014. Police have said she was snatched and assaulted while walking late that night. She died from her wounds eight days later.

McNeal, in a police interview after his arrest, denied involvement. DNA and a broken cellphone linked him to the attack, according to court records.

The notice, which reserves the state’s ability to seek a death sentence if McNeal is convicted of capital murder, was filed following Friday’s arraignment, Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett said. McNeal, who refuses to speak to his attorneys or in court, was deemed competent to stand trial last week.

The court has set an October jury trial date for McNeal, according to Sedgwick County District Court records. The trial is expected to last two weeks.

This story was originally published June 23, 2017 at 5:50 PM with the headline "DA files notice to seek death penalty in Fairmount Park attack."