STEWART COUNTY, Tenn. (WTVF) — NewsChannel 5 has learned of new developments in the high-profile case of Kirby Wallace - the man who police say he terrorized two counties. He's accused of arsons, home invasions and murder.
It took a nearly two-week manhunt to finally catch him last fall.
With a trial date approaching, many expect prosecutors to seek the death penalty. However, a plea deal may be in the works.
Kirby Wallace and his attorney have met with prosecutors to discuss the terms of a plea deal. He's seeking a life sentence without parole instead of the possibility of the death penalty at trial.
Some family members of the victims made their feelings quite clear during Wallace's arraignment last year.
"I'm going to watch you die Kirby. We'll be waiting. I'm going to watch you die," someone yelled at him during the hearing.
Wallace was charged with 20 felony counts, including two counts of murder, in Stewart and Montgomery Counties. Police say they stems from his murderous rampage in fall of last year - one that had citizens living in fear.
Timeline: Kirby Wallace's alleged crime spree
Somehow, Wallace managed to elude police for 12 days before he was finally caught. Only then did we learn the full details of his accused crimes.
In one horrible instance, police say Wallace attacked Teddy and Brenda Smith as they returned to their Indian Mound home from church, binding, gagging, stabbing them and then setting their house on fire.
Teddy was able to escape, but Brenda died in the attack. Wallace is also charged with the murder of Joseph Morford in Montgomery County.
How did he avoid capture for nearly two weeks?
Stewart County Sheriff Frankie Gray said in the days after Wallace was caught, "I feel like he got some assistance. What that may be I can't say, but I think he got some assistance."
Any plea deal will depend on what Wallace shares with investigators.
For one, they want names and details of anyone who helped him while on the run. They also want him to tell them what happened to the black Chrysler he's accused of stealing from the Smiths as well as any other items or cash he stole during his crime spree.
"It's just another link to the crime and tells the whole story. It's important. And if we find the car there is probably still evidence in that car," said the Sheriff.
Keep in mind, Wallace faces trials in two counties. He likely will seek plea deals in both Stewart and Montgomery Counties.
And, yes prosecutors will consider the wishes of family members. If a plea deal is reached the details will be announced at a court hearing in Stewart County for Wallace on July 24.
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Timeline: Kirby Wallace's Alleged Crime Spree
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