Man suspected of killing mom, stepdad could face death penalty

The man charged with murdering his mother and her husband in their Ogden home may face the death penalty.

Gerard Altman was taken into custody at a Wilmington Apartment complex Thursday, where he had been staying with friends.

Altman appeared in a New Hanover County court Friday, and was denied bond. He’s been charged with murdering his mother, Laura Gallagher and her husband James in their Ogden home.

Preliminary autopsies indicate Mr. & Mrs. Gallagher died from blunt force trauma. Detectives anticipate more information from the autopsy to be released next week.

Prosecutors say a committee will meet within the next few weeks to decide whether to pursue the death penalty. Altman’s next court appearance is February 26th.