In a brief statement following the second preliminary hearing for the man accused killing Great Bend teen Alicia DeBolt, the DeBolt family said Thursday afternoon they backed the prosecution’s call to not seek the death penalty for Adam Longoria.
“We are supportive of the decision to withdraw the intent to seek the death penalty,” said Dawn DeBolt, sister of Alicia. She read the remarks on behalf of the family.
Longoria still faces a capital murder and other charges. If convicted, he will be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Standing against a gusty south wind in a hastily called news conference outside the Barton County Courthouse west doors, the family huddled together minutes after the conclusion of two days of proceedings. Dawn was joined by Alica’s mother Tammy Conrad, father Richard DeBolt and others.
“We appreciate the time and effort given to seek justice for Alicia,” Dawn read. The family had been informed of decisions being made throughout the case by the staff of the Kansas Attorney General’s Office.
These were the first remarks made by the relatives of Alicia as they were advised not to comment. After Dawn finished reading the statement, they did not take questions.