Prosecutors to Seek Death Penalty in Jean and Scott Adam Case

Federal prosecutors are asking for the death penalty for three Somali pirates charged in the murder of Marina del Rey couple Jean and Scott Adam and their two friends, the Associated Press reported.

The AP obtained a court document Monday stating the prosecution’s intent, but U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder will make the ultimate decision on whether to seek the death penalty.

Somali pirates hijacked the Adams’ yacht Quest on Feb. 18, 2011 about 270 miles off the coast of Oman in the Indian Ocean. Four U.S. Navy warships shadowed the yacht while the pirates made their way back to Somalia and negotiations began for the release of the Adams and another couple, Bob Riggle and Phyllis Macay from Seattle, that were aboard the yacht.

However, the talks went awry and pirates shot all four hostages. U.S. Navy SEALs boarded the yacht after hearing gunfire and killed two of the 19 pirates on board. Two other hijackers were found already dead on the yacht.

On , a federal jury convicted Somali pirate Mohammad Saaili Shibin, 50 on 15 counts he faced for participating in hijacking the Adams’ yacht. He is expected to be sentenced on Aug. 13.

Eleven other hijackers have pleaded guilty and were sentenced to life in prison for their role in the death of the four Americans.

Jean and Scott Adam were parishioners at and members of the Del Rey Yacht Club in Marina del Rey. The couple had been on an around-the-world voyage, distributing Bibles.

Paul Chavez contributed to this report.