Jesse Campbell, Staff Reporter

Enough evidence existed to convince a grand jury last week that Freddie P. Hammer should face trial on charges that could lead to the death penalty.

Last Friday a grand jury meeting in Independence, Va. issued a list of indictments against Hammer of Crumpler.

He has been charged in the indictment with capital murder of Ronald F. Hudler in the commission of a robbery and in the commission of abduction. In addition, Hammer was indicted for robbery and grand larceny of Ronald Hudler as well as statutory burglary while robbing with a deadly weapon. Hammer has also been indicted on two counts of malicious wounding of Frederick D. Hudler and one count of malicious wounding of John Steven Miller. Furthermore, Hammer has been indicted on four counts of possessing a firearm in the commission of a felony and one count of capital murder of Ronald Hudler, Frederick Hudler, and John Steven Miller. Also, Hammer received an indictment of possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony.

Further indictments on Hammer are expected at the Oct. 24 grand jury hearing.

In Virginia, offenses are classified as either capital or non-capital crimes. The deciding factors for such classification stem from the nature and circumstances surrounding the crime.

Prosecuting attorney Douglas Vaught elaborated on the factors that could lead to a capital murder indictment in Hammer’s case.

“Those aggravating factors include many fact situations, and in this case only certain ones appear to be responsive to that: killing more than one person in a three year period, killing in the commission of a robbery, killing in the commission of abduction with the intent to obtain money or pecuniary benefit,” Vaught said.

In Virginia, the prosecution does not need to seek approval from any sanctioned office before proceeding with capital charges.

If Hammer is found guilty of the said charges there are only two punishment options: life imprisonment without the possibility of parole or the death penalty. Vaught did not comment whether the prosecution would seek the death penalty in Hammer’s case if found guilty.

Now that the probable cause hearing has concluded, Hammer’s case will move to Virginia’s Circuit Court. Although the process seems to be coming together, Vaught emphasized the long road ahead for the prosecution.

“There are numerous motions and preliminary considerations in capital cases, so I anticipate that the trial will not take place before next February or March,” Vaught said. “Of course, that is subject to change.”