BENTON - Franklin County State's Attorney Tom Dinn might seek the death penalty against at least one of two suspects in a recent double homicide in West Frankfort.

Afton D. Ferris, 19, appeared in court Wednesday afternoon on charges she and her boyfriend Michael A. Schallert, 29, intentionally shot and killed Terri Seibeck, 32, and Kandis Majors, 28, in their 213 N. Douglas St. residence. The bodies of the victims were discovered Oct. 19.

Police said Ferris and Schallert both fled Southern Illinois afterward, traveling in one of the victim's vehicles. They were arrested in Colorado a few days after the bodies were discovered. So far, only Ferris has been returned to Franklin County to face first-degree murder charges. Police said Schallert is expected back in the county this week.

Wednesday afternoon's court hearing for Ferris was brief as Public Defender Eric Dirnbeck said he was not ready to proceed with the preliminary hearing, noting the probability of the state seeking the death penalty against Ferris.

Dirnbeck said he is not state certified to serve as counsel in a death-penalty eligible case, but he had contacted two attorneys who are certified, with both agreeing to take on the case.

Dirnbeck said state law requires that attorneys be certified for death penalty to work such cases, and two attorneys are required by state law.

Dinn said he had no opposition to the preliminary hearing being continued to 9:30 a.m. on Friday as to allow for the new attorneys to review the case and accompany Ferris.

Dinn said he has not officially announced he will seek the death penalty was has also not ruled out the option

The continuance was granted. Ferris is to return to court at 9:30 a.m. Friday with death-penalty certified counsel.

tara.fasol@thesouthern.com

618-351-5824