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Charges may be downgraded in pregnant woman’s death

Posted at 7:51 AM, Jul 10, 2012
and last updated 2012-07-10 08:07:19-04

HENRICO COUNTY, Va (WTVR) — A hearing is scheduled today in the case of a man accused of stabbing to death his pregnant girlfriend last year. 

Henrico Commonwealth’s Attorney Shannon Taylor is expected to ask to downgrade a capital murder charge against. Gregory Nelson, Jr. If convicted of the lesser first degree murder charge, Nelson would not be eligible for the death penalty.

In March 2011, Susana Cisneros, 24, who was 9-months pregnant, was found stabbed to death in a Henrico County parking lot.  Authorities said her unborn son died due to lack of oxygen.

Henrico Commonweath’s Attorney Shannon Taylor said the change in charge, all boils down to whether or not the evidence can prove the killings of Cisneros and her fetus were premeditated and willful.

If Nelson, 28, was found guilty of first degree murder, he would face 20 years to life in prison.

In an interview earlier this year, Susana’s brother C. Cisneros told CBS 6 he did not want Nelson executed if he was convicted of the murder.

“I don’t want his family to go through what we’re going through,” said Cisneros. “We don’t believe in that.”