BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – All eight suspects in the Mahogany Jackson case now face the death penalty.

The young mother was kidnapped, tortured and murdered in February.

A grand jury decided that in September All suspects would be charged with murder. On Monday morning in Judge Kesha Davis’ courtroom, the Jefferson County assistant district attorney read their formal indictments, adding that the state would seek the death penalty for all eight suspects.

Prosecutors allege Mahogany was not only kidnapped but also sexually assaulted and murdered. However, much of what happened to her was recorded and shared on social media. Most of the suspects stood alongside their lawyers today and listened to their charges being read out. All pleaded not guilty.

Her mother, Gail Shearer, had a difficult time in court and even dropped out after four suspects were led out of the courtroom. She shared this statement with WBRC:

District Attorney Danny Carr explained why the state is seeking the death penalty.

“If there is an aggravating factor, the death penalty can be imposed in these cases,” Carr said. “We don’t normally do what they call seeking the death penalty. If a case is admissible based on the facts and the law, we will charge it as such. In all of these individual cases we will see what happens, whether it is a long sentence, a lifetime in prison or ultimately the death penalty.”

The suspects will return to court on February 18 for a preliminary hearing.

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