Solicitor Considers Death Penalty in Ascot Estates Murders, Suspect Indicted

The Fifth Circuit Solicitor is considering whether his office will go for the death penalty in the case of Brett Parker — the man charged with the murders of his wife and a family friend.

Solicitor Dan Johnson said Wednesday the death penalty was "being given serious consideration," according to a report from The State.

Parker was indicted today on two counts of murder by a Richland County grand jury, The State reports.

Parker is accused of shooting his wife, Tammy Parker, and friend, Bryan Capnerhurst, in the Parker's Ascot Estates home on April 13. 

At that hearing, Circuit Court Judge DeAndrea Gist Benjamin denied bond for Parker. 

Prosecutors said Parker killed his wife to collect more than $1 million in insurance money to pay off about $600,000 in debt.

Parker, however, told Richland County Sheriff's detectives that Capnerhurst shot his wife and then he shot Capnherhurst in self-defense. 

Lott also said Parker was a bookie and Capnerhurst was an employee in Brett’s gambling operation.

A trial date has not been set in the case. Parker’s attorneys were given six months to prepare for a re-hearing.

Parker remains at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.