Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, March 11, 1991 TAG: 9103110166
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: FAIRFAX LENGTH: Medium
Hughes, 25, was convicted Friday of abducting with intent to defile. A jury recommended a 50-year prison sentence, which a judge can lower but cannot increase.
Fairfax County Commonwealth's Attorney Robert Horan said Saturday that if Hughes, a former resident of Christiansburg and Blacksburg, agreed to tell where the 5-year-old girl is, he would consider not prosecuting him on additional charges if the girl is dead, or would seek less than the maximum sentence. Horan said his offer would be contingent on the consent of Melissa's family.
Peter Greenspun, Hughes' attorney, said Saturday that any discussion of such an agreement on possible future charges against Hughes was outrageous.
"Caleb Hughes denies he abducted with any intent Melissa Brannen. He denies he killed her, disposed of her or harmed her in any way," said Greenspun. He said he will advise his client to appeal the conviction.
Melissa Brannen disappeared from a Christmas party Dec. 3, 1989, at her Lorton apartment complex. The girl has not been found, but many close to the case say they believe she is dead.
Melissa's mother, Tammy Brannen, who has made several pleas to the girl's abductor to return her daughter, said Saturday that if such an offer were made to Hughes, she would consider it because it would remove the girl from any more harm, or allow the family to give her a proper burial.
"I can't say that definitely, because I have not discussed this with Mr. Horan," she said. "Like I said [Friday], this isn't a victory because I still don't know where my daughter is. If that is an alternative for finding her, that would be something I would seriously consider."
by CNB