By Corrections1 Staff
SOMERSET, Pa. — Prosecutors plan to seek the death penalty against an inmate accused of beating a Pennsylvania CO to death.
Prosecutors filed a notice of aggravated factors Monday against inmate Paul Kendrick, paving the way to a possible death sentence if he’s convicted of first-degree murder, WJAC-TV reports. Kendrick was charged with attacking and killing Sgt. Mark Baserman inside the SCI Somerset facility two months ago.
On Feb. 15, the 22-year-old inmate lashed out at Baserman and punched and kicked the sergeant eight to 10 times in the head. Officials said the inmate attacked Baserman because the CO confiscated a towel from him.
Baserman was taken to a hospital and succumbed to his injuries 11 days after the attack.
Jason Bloom, president of the Pennsylvania State Corrections Officers Association, said Kendrick was wearing heavy-soled Timberland boots that added to the severity of Baserman’s injuries. Kendrick was arraigned on homicide and assault charges in March.
The inmate appeared in court briefly Monday as prosecutors informed the court that the aggravated factor notice was filed. In Pennsylvania, a homicide must carry certain aggravating factors before the death penalty or life without parole sentence can be considered.