Man sentenced to death in teen dismemberment


November 15, 2012 at 8:36a.m.

Man sentenced to death in teen dismemberment

WEST CHESTER, Pa. (AP) — A Pennsylvania man has been sentenced to death for killing and dismembering a 16-year-old boy in a drug dispute four years ago.

Family members of the slain teen reacted with relief and thanks when a Chester County jury announced its verdict Wednesday night in the October 2008 killing of Aaron Turner.

Thirty-three-year-old Laquanta Chapman was convicted last week after his cousin Bryan Byrd testified that he helped Chapman dispose of Turner’s body.

Authorities say Chapman forced Turner into his basement and killed him before cutting his body up with a chain saw. Turner’s remains were never found.

Byrd pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit murder and is awaiting sentencing. Chapman’s attorney argued Byrd’s testimony was suspect.