Jessica Padgett’s stepfather videotaped himself having sex
with Padgett — after he’d killed her — according to Northampton County District
Attorney John Morganelli.“So there’s a videotape of him abusing the corpse sexually,”
Morganelli told The Morning Call.
This new information means that Graf will not face the death
penalty if he’s convicted. Desecration of a corpse is not an aggravating factor
in Pennsylvania, as opposed to sexual assault while a victim is alive.Graf was in his first public appearance in court when this
fact was revealed. He requested a public defender but was denied because of his
wealth.
“I just don’t want to take away the funds from the family,”
added Graf. He now plans to hire an attorney.Graf is charged with shooting Padgett on Nov. 21 and hiding
her body behind a shed on his property, amidst a frantic search by her friends
and family. A “Help find Jessica Padgett” Facebook page garnered over 8,000
members as of publication.An online fundraiser for Padgett’s children has received nearly
300 donations in just over a week, totaling over $11,000.Police found evidence of marijuana dealing on Graf’s
property, but at this time the drugs are not expected to be connected to
Padgett’s death. Graf is being held without bail in Northampton County Prison.Via NBC News
