Couple faces death penalty in kidnap-murder

Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2002 | 9:52 a.m.

A couple accused of kidnapping, torturing and killing a 16-year-old Las Vegas girl will face the death penalty if convicted, prosecutors said.

Michael Thornton, 46, and his girlfriend, Janeen Snyder, 22, are charged with first-degree murder in the death of Michelle Curran, whose body was found hidden in a horse trailer in the Riverside County town of Rubidoux last April. They also face special-circumstances allegations that make them eligible for the death penalty.

Deputy District Attorney Michael Rushton said in court Tuesday that he filed the paperwork seeking the death penalty if both defendants are found guilty by a jury.

Thornton and Snyder have pleaded innocent.

Curran was last seen leaving her Las Vegas home on April 4. The victim's mother reported her missing the day after she disappeared. Authorities thought the girl may have run away from home, but the mother maintained her daughter was kidnapped.

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