New Jersey abolished capital punishment. But federal authorities could have pursued it.
Three people are accused of taking Nadirah Ruffin at gunpoint during a robbery in March because she recognized one of them. Her body was found in the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia nearly a month later.
Three others are accused of helping to cover up the crime.
Court documents obtained by The Press of Atlantic City show one of the suspects is trying to negotiate a plea deal. Ronnie Ruffin is the father of the group's alleged ringleader, 24-year-old Shamerria Smith.
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Information from: The Press of Atlantic City, http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com
