Judge Won't Drop Rape Charges Against Accused Peabody Murderer

PEABODY, MA -- Salem Superior Court Judge Salim Tabit denied a defense motion to drop rape charges against a man accused fof a 2017 double murder in Peabody. An attorney for Wes Doughty had argued argued that there was no forensic evidence linking Doughty to the rape and that Doughty's co-defendant, Michael Hebb, will likely invoke his Fifth Amendment right against self incrimination if he testifies.

Doughty is awaiting trial in the murder and rape of Jennifer O'Connor, 40, as well as the murder of her boyfriend, Mark Greenlaw, 37. He is also charged with arson, carjacking, kidnapping and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. The trial is scheduled to begin Sept. 9.

Previously on Patch: Accused Peabody Murderer Wants Rape Charge Dismissed

For more on this story, see the Salem News. Subscribe to Peabody Patch for more local news and real-time alerts.

File photo by Mike Carraggi/Patch.