Death penalty fight gains support

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Two more groups are backing Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee in his fight to keep an accused killer from facing the death penalty.

The Independence Institute and the Cato Institute -- both self-described "think tanks" -- filed a joint brief with the U.S. Supreme Court last month, arguing that murder suspect Jason Pleau should not have to be turned over to federal custody where he could face capital punishment if convicted.

Pleau is charged in the shooting death of David Main during a robbery outside a Woonsocket bank in 2010.

Governor Chafee wants Pleau tried under Rhode Island state law, which does not include the death penalty.

Previously, the Rhode Island chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union and several other groups filed a "friend of the court" brief with the U.S. Supreme Court, also backing the governor's position.