November 4, 2009 Mont Vernon murder reopens death penalty debate in NH Play video

(NECN: Lauren Collins) - A month after a New Hampshire mother was stabbed to death in her home lawmakers from Mont Vernon have unveiled a bill to expand the state's death penalty.

"People have a right to be at a place of sanctuary, at a place of safety when they're in their houses," says Rep. William O'Brien, who drafted the bill that would make murder during a home invasion a capital crime. He says many people in town, himself included, were shocked to learn that the attack Kimberly Cates and the attempted murder of her daughter Jaime don't qualify.

"I had people call me and stop me and say bill there has to be justice here."

One of those calls came from a woman who lives near the Cates home, who asked not to be identified but says she never felt compelled to call her legislator before this. But she considers the attack on her neighbor, "such a horrific crime," that she had to act.

Four young men -- Steven Spader, Christopher Gribble, William Marks and Quinn Glover -- are charged in connection with the October 4th attack. The state says all four entered the Cates home that night with deadly weapons and the intent to kill anyone they found inside. Only Spader and Gribble face murder charges.

Rep. O'Brien says the bill would have no affect on their cases, but for others who may follow, "they have to know that the state is going to impose the harshest of penalties."

In New Hampshire there are only six circumstances

in which prosecutors can seek the death penalty. Michael Addison is the state's sole death row inmate, for the 2006 murder of Manchester police officer Michael Briggs.

Not everyone in town wants to see the current statute expanded. Julie Whitcomb's daughter knows two of the suspects and she feels, "a person who commits a crime like this, their life is now over as well."

Around the Mont Vernon general store, the crime is still fresh on everyone's mind and lips.

"I don't know whether it should be expanded or not because I really don't feel it should be used for anyone," says resident Jim Glading.

The Kimberly L. Cates bill is a long way from law. It needs to clear the house rules committee Before it's debated in the legislature.