Erika Megan Sharpton, 24, of Tullahoma, Tenn., was killed around July 2 and her body was found burning off of Awalt Road by a paassing motorist in Franklin County, Tenn.
Donnie Frank Jones Jr.The man charged in the July 2 rape and slaying of Tullahoma, Tenn., nursing student Megan Sharpton pleaded not guilty Friday in Franklin County Circuit Court.
A decision will be made over the next couple of weeks whether to file a notice that prosecutors will seek the death penalty or life without parole for 37-year-old Tullahoma resident Donnie Frank Jones Jr., 12th Judicial District Attorney Mike Taylor said Monday.
Jones, of 1912 Bel-Aire Drive, was charged in Sharpton’s death with first-degree murder, especially aggravated kidnapping and aggravated rape on an indictment issued by the Franklin County grand jury on Nov. 5.
Taylor said he and Assistant District Attorney Steve Blount, the Franklin County prosecutor overseeing the case, will review the elements of the case to see whether they meet requirements for pursuing the death penalty.
Jones remains held without bond in Franklin County.