Daniel Tavares

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Daniel Tavares, a convicted murderer from Massachusetts, who moved to Washington and married his prison pen pal is charged with two counts of first degree murder in Pierce County Superior Court. His wife, Jennifer Tavares, is accused of rendering criminal assistance by lying to authorities about Daniel’s whereabouts at the time of the homicides.[1]

Daniel Tavares was recently released from prison in Massachusetts after a sixteen years for killing his mother in 1991 with a butcher's knife. Although he was subsequently wanted for assaulting a prison guard while in prison, a District Court Judge released Tavares without bail, or electronic monitoring. Daniel Tavares moved to Graham, Washington where he married his prison pen pal, Jennifer Tavares.[2]

Daniel Tavares is awaiting trial for allegedly murdering neighbors Brian and Beverly Mauck on November 17, 2007. He confessed to the killings during police interviews.

The case had an unusual connection to the Presidential Campaign of Mitt Romney. Acting as the Governor of Massachusetts, Romney appointed the Judge, Kathe Tuttman, who released Tavares without bail, electronic monitoring, or GPS monitoring.

Prosecutors in Washington State have not determined whether they will ask for the death penalty.[3]

Daniel Tavares is represented by Dino Sepe of the Pierce County Department of Assigned Counsel. Sepe was recognized by the Washington Defender Association with a Gideon and President's Award in 2007 for his outstanding work representing indigent clients.[4] Jennifer Tavares is represented by James Oliver.[5] Oliver is a private attorney and has run for political office.[6]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Lynn, Adam; Mulick, Stacey (2007-11-21). Murder charges in shootings. The News Tribune. Retrieved on 2008-01-05.
  2. ^ News Tribune staff and news services (2007-11-25). Strange connection in Graham murder case. The News Tribune. Retrieved on 2008-01-05.
  3. ^ Lynn, Adam (2007-12-07). Death penalty decision put off. The News Tribune. Retrieved on 2008-01-05.
  4. ^ WDA Gideon and President's Award Winners. Defensenet.org. Washington Defender Association. Retrieved on 2008-01-05.
  5. ^ Pierce County Superior Court Criminal Case 07-1-05866-6. Legal Information Network Exchange (LINX). Pierce County. Retrieved on 2008-01-05.
  6. ^ James Oliver throws hat in the ring for 28th Legislative District. The Suburban Times (2006-01-31). Retrieved on 2008-01-05.