Death penalty fight brews in Manley case

Dan Kulin

Friday, Jan. 3, 2003 | 9:07 a.m.

Attorneys for a 17-year-old from Las Vegas accused of killing two men and wounding a Nevada Highway Patrol trooper during a crime spree in May are asking the judge to preclude a death sentence for their client.

Deputy Public Defenders Joseph Abood and Nancy Lemcke say Giles Manley should not face the death penalty because of his age and limited mental capacity.

Manley's IQ is approximately 78, and someone is considered mildly retarded if their IQ is between 50 and 70, according to defense motions filed in court.

The attorneys also argue in court filings that Nevada's death penalty statute is unconstitutional.

The prosecution has filed a notice of intent to seek the death penalty in the case, and Chief Deputy District Attorney Christopher Lalli said he believes the state can seek the death penalty against Manley.

Lalli said because Manley was 16 when the crimes he is charged with were committed, his age is not a factor.

"And we do not believe he is mentally retarded," Lalli said.

According to the prosecution, during the nighttime hours spanning May 8 and May 9, Manley carjacked two vehicles, fatally shooting Isaac Perez, 21, during the first carjacking, and shooting Trooper Guy Davis in the foot while leaving Perez's car and before carjacking another vehicle.

Police allege that hours later, Manley led police on a high-speed chase that ended when he crashed into another vehicle. Patrick Melia, 41, died as a result of the crash.