Death penalty sought in Applebee’s slaying

by Della Batts
The Daily Herald Staff Writer
Published/Last Modified on Thursday, December 10, 2009 12:06 PM EST

HALIFAX — Twenty-two-year-old Joshua Rouse will face the death penalty when he stands trial next year for the brutal murder of  Sandy Denise Riedel.
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Riedel, the 29-year-old manager at Applebee’s Restaurant in Premier Landing, was found cut and stabbed to death in the restaurant when employees reported to work early on June 15.

After several days of intense investigation, Rouse, an ex-convict working at the restaurant, was arrested. He reportedly gave a statement to police about the slaying.

Wednesday, Halifax County District Attorney Melissa Pelfrey announced at a procedural hearing in the case the county will seek the death penalty.

There has been no trial date set for Rouse, according to Pelfrey.

“We are still many motions away from that,” she said.

Rouse remains in the Halifax County Detention Center on no bond.

Copyright © 2010 Roanoke Daily Herald

Comments

    RIP Sandy wrote on Dec 20, 2009 2:25 PM:

    " I certainly hope Josh gets what he deserves. Sandy was a brillant person and a smile always on her face, she cared about people even though those people didn't always care for her. I honestly hope when he does go to meet his maker that he truly see's what he has done and just HOW many people it affected. "

    greg banks wrote on Dec 20, 2009 2:20 PM:

    " I pray that justice will be served "

    justice wrote on Dec 20, 2009 12:21 AM:

    " i don't know why didn't the editor publish my last comment.I didn't say anything more offensive then any other had.Anyway i'm glad the guy going fry like a season salt french fry for what he done. "

    get justice wrote on Dec 10, 2009 10:31 PM:

    " I think it should of happened before now. You know she looked out for him and gave him a job. Knowing his background someone still looked for the good in him. And this is what happens. All i know is he deserves every bit and it needs to happen soon. It does not need to be extended any longer "

    COBNCERNED CITIZEN wrote on Dec 10, 2009 6:05 PM:

    " I WILL GLADLY SIT BE A MEMBER OF THAT JURY !!! "

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