CLEVELAND, Ohio - A federal judge has denied a request from two defendants accused of killing a U.S. postal worker in Warren to compel prosecutors to turn over a list of cooperating witnesses.

U.S. District Judge Donald C. Nugent ruled that the information is not legally required to be disclosed at this stage of the proceedings, even though the defense requested it to help prepare a memo to the Department of Justice arguing against the death penalty.

Thomas Sledge and Kaprise Sledge are charged with the March 2024 shooting death of mail carrier Jonte Davis in Warren. Federal prosecutors are weighing whether to seek the death penalty in the case.

Attorneys for the Sledges argued that the identities and statements of any cooperating witnesses were "material to the defense" and necessary to allow them to "fully prepare a memorandum to the Department of Justice."

Such a memo, submitted according to DOJ protocol, is meant to include mitigating evidence and comment on the strength of the government's case.

The government countered that it is not required to provide any disclosure of potential cooperating witnesses until a trial is underway and the witness has testified.

In his order, Judge Nugent noted that federal laws and criminal procedure rules do not require the disclosure of prospective government witness statements until the witness has testified on direct examination at trial. He said there are no exceptions for potential death penalty cases.

Judge Nugent also pointed out that the DOJ's practice of allowing defendants to submit arguments against the death penalty is not required by the Constitution. He stated that the defendants will not be prejudiced in their ability to prepare a defense if the information is not disclosed at this time. The judge noted that the defense has an opportunity to submit a successive request to withdraw a notice of intent to pursue the death penalty if new information becomes available.

The judge scheduled a trial date for Feb. 17, 2026. He said if the government decides to pursue the death penalty and the defendants "reasonably believe they need more time," the court will consider future requests for an extension.