By Monique Roth
L’Observateur

LAPLACE — Charles McQuarter III, the 22-year-old Reserve man charged with the first-degree murder of Steven Finckbeiner and attempted first-degree murder of Connie Finckbeiner, will face the death penalty if convicted.

Prosecutors made the announcement Wednesday afternoon at McQuarter’s court appearance. He pleaded not guilty to the crimes.

St. John the Baptist Parish District Attorney Tom Daley said as is typical of capital cases, McQuarter is being represented by the Capital Area Legal Clinic, which is actively involved in his defense. Daley said his office expects to see between 150-300 pre-trial motions filed by McQuarter’s team, as well as requests for assistance from outside investigators and several psychiatric evaluations. Daley said all of these measures would have an effect on the start of a trial.

On Feb. 25 Steven and Connie Finckbeiner, married owners of LaPlace Feed and Supply, were the victims of an attack when authorities said McQuarter and Dracier Dewey, 22, entered their store and opened fire before fleeing with the store’s cash register. Steven died at the scene, and Connie was treated for her gunshot wounds.

A grand jury charged McQuarter May 5 with the first-degree murder of Steven Finckbeiner and attempted first-degree murder of Connie Finckbeiner. Dewey was charged with being a principal to second-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder.

Dewey also pleaded not guilty Wednesday.