Melcher facing death penalty

Clark County

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August 26, 2008

Jeff man allegedly killed cellmate while serving time for murders

By MATT THACKER The News and Tribune Tue Aug 26, 2008, 10:45 AM EDT

A Jeffersonville man who pleaded guilty to the 2005 murders of his pregnant wife, infant son and unborn child now faces the death penalty for murdering a cellmate.

Sullivan County Prosecutor Robert Springer in recent months filed a request for a death sentence against 30-year-old Zachariah Melcher. Springer said Monday he still intends to seek the death penalty.

According to the Indiana State Police, Melcher strangled to death Nicholas Roman, 28, in the Wabash Valley Correctional Facility in Carslile in March. The prison is located in west central Indiana, near the Illinois border.

In August 2006, Melcher pleaded guilty to three counts of murder and was sentenced to life in prison. Melcher had faced the death penalty in that case before the plea agreement was reached.

He admitted to murdering his wife and child and stuffing them in a plastic storage container.

According to court records of a hearing in June, Melcher said he did not want a state-appointed attorney to represent him in his newest case and said he would represent himself.

After advising him of the potential problems of representing himself, the court found Melcher to be “indigent” and appointed Joseph Etling and John Kesler II to represent him.

Melcher also asked to be put to death. An omnibus hearing is scheduled for Sept. 5. The trial is scheduled to begin Feb. 3.