Judge in Lape killing imposes death sentence

NEW MADRID, Mo. -- Judge Fred Copeland of the 34th Judicial Court sentenced Mark Gill, 33, of Cape Girardeau to death Monday in the July 2002 killing of Ralph Lape Jr.

Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney Morley Swingle announced Monday afternoon that Copeland imposed the death sentence; the jury that convicted Gill recommended death when it found him guilty March 5.

Gill was also sentenced to 15 years for kidnapping, life in prison for first-degree robbery, 30 years for armed criminal action and seven years for tampering with a motor vehicle. The sentences will run consecutively, Swingle said.

Lape, of Jackson, was found shot to death and buried in a cornfield near Portageville, Mo.

Gil's alleged accomplice, Justin Brown, 24, faces a Sept. 7 trial and could also receive the death penalty.