CLEVELAND, Ohio - Attorneys in the federal murder case against Kaprise and Thomas Sledge met for a pretrial conference on Friday to discuss evidence sharing and the possibility of a death penalty sentence. The two men are accused of killing Jonte Davis, a U.S. Postal Service carrier, while he was on duty in Warren in March 2024.

During the meeting, federal prosecutors told U.S. District Judge Donald Nugent that they are still waiting for a final decision from the Department of Justice on whether to seek the death penalty. In federal law, a specialized group called the Capital Crimes Committee must weigh the facts of a case before the Attorney General decides if a defendant will face execution if convicted. Because no decision has been made yet, the defense is currently treating the case as a capital prosecution.

On the same day as the conference, Kaprise Sledge’s legal team filed three requests to force the government to share more information. One request asks for the names and addresses of any confidential informants or cooperating witnesses used in the investigation. The defense also wants a list of any deals or payments the government gave the witnesses in exchange for their help.

Another request focuses on what is known as "other acts" evidence. This refers to any past conduct or crimes the government might try to use at trial to show motive or intent. The defense argued that they need the information early to prevent unfair surprises during the trial. Finally, the defense asked for a broad range of information to challenge the honesty of government witnesses, including their criminal histories and any internal police records regarding their truthfulness.

Judge Nugent granted the government until March 15 to respond to the defense motions. Because of the volume of evidence and the pending death penalty decision, the judge and attorneys discussed moving the trial date.

The trial was originally set to begin on Feb. 17. However, the judge indicated that if the defendants file formal requests to delay the case and waive their rights to a speedy trial, that date will instead be used for another pretrial conference. Both sides are now expected to work together to propose a new trial schedule.

The charges against the Sledges include the murder of a federal employee and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. If convicted, they could face a mandatory sentence of life in prison even if the government chooses not to seek the death penalty.