SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Prosecutors have filed new sexual assault charges against a Utah man accused in the death of his 5-year-old niece.
Authorities say additional evidence from the state crime lab led to the counts of child rape and sodomy filed Wednesday against 21-year-old Alex Whipple.
Police say he killed Elizabeth “Lizzy” Shelley on May 25, after his sister let him spend the night at the family home.
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She was missing for five days before her body was found in a heavily wooded area. Police have said Whipple gave his lawyer a map of where the body was hidden in exchange for a promise not to pursue the death penalty.
Whipple is also charged with aggravated murder, child kidnapping and other counts.
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Defense attorney Shannon Demler did not immediately return a message seeking comment.
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