Charges upgraded in Vt. teacher’s death
By LISA RATHKE
The Associated Press | June 23,2012
AP File Photo
The charge against Allen Prue has been upgraded to first-degree murder in ithe killing of teacher Melissa Jenkins.
St. JOHNSBURY — Charges have been upgraded against a couple accused of luring a teacher from her home and killing her in March.
Caledonia County State’s Attorney Lisa Warren amended the charges Friday against Allen and Patricia Prue, of Waterford, saying the death of Melissa Jenkins was a premeditated crime.
Warren says the Prues planned to kill the 33-year-old St. Johnsbury woman, used the ruse of a broken-down car to lure her from her home and then strangled, beat and electrocuted her with a stun gun.
Warren also says that before the crime, the couple bought a stun gun and a cellphone, which police say Patricia Prue used to call Jenkins.
An affidavit says prosecutors interviewed inmates who said they heard Patricia Prue talking about the crime.
The Prues previously pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder charges.
Allen Prue has been charged with first-degree murder; his wife has been charged with aggravated murder.
