United States v. Ammidown

497 F.2d 615 (D.C.Cir. 1973)

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Nature of the Case

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Facts

Ammidown (D) wanted his wife murdered and hired Richard Anthony Lee to do the job but then got cold feet because D didn't want his son to see the killing. They then decided to kidnap D's wife and extort money from her. That plan was executed, and as part of the plan to show Mrs. Ammidown just how serious the situation was, Lee was to rape her. Lee did so but killed Mrs. Ammidown in the process. Just prior to the trial, the U.S. Attorney entered into a plea agreement with D for second-degree murder if he would testify against Lee during grand jury proceedings. The trial judge refused the plea agreement under Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. D was found guilty of felony murder and was sentenced to two life prison terms. D appealed.