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Atchison man sentenced to life in kidnapping case

By Staff | Nov 30, 2016

Marcas McGowan, 32, Atchison, was sentenced last week in federal court to life in prison without parole on one count of kidnapping resulting in death of a 5-year-old-girl and a 10-year sentence for one count discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Rask and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd Thompson prosecuted the case.

The case was originally charged in Leavenworth County District Court, but Thompson asked to have it filed in Federal Court and continue to prosecute the case due to better alternatives in sentencing.

“In Kansas, McGowan was looking at a life sentence with a parole at 25 years or at most 50 years for this case,” said Thompson, who also is the Leavenworth County attorney. “In Federal Court we knew we would be able to sentence him to life without parole and I didn’t want him to have the opportunity to ever get out of prison.”

Former U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom and Acting U.S. Attorney Thomas Beall appointed Thompson.

“My prayers go out to the family,” Thompson said. “There is no justice when a child dies like this, but the only resolve is to know that McGowan will never see the light of day and hurt anyone again. Thanks to the FBI, KBI, Platte County Police, Platte City Police, Atchison Police, Atchison Sheriff, Leavenworth Police, first responders and everyone else who helped in this horrific tragedy.”

In the plea agreement, McGowan admits to threatening his girlfriend on July 18, 2014, and kidnapping his girlfriend’s 5-year-old daughter, in Atchison. As police arrived on the scene, McGowan sped away. McGowan led authorities on a high-speed chase and exchanged gunfire at one point. The 5-year-old suffered an intermediate gunshot wound to the head.