Defense argues inmate interview could be used to get ultimate punishment for Brandon Council

FLORENCE, SC (WMBF) – The U.S. Attorney's Office has obtained an interview with an inmate who claims Brandon Council told him about the deadly robbery of Conway's CresCom Bank last August.

Kenneth Ward also claimed in new court documents filed Thursday that Council expressed his feelings about his actions to Ward.

Because the U.S. Attorney's Office already has his confession, security video from the bank and physical evidence tying him to the crime, Council's defense argued that the only possible reason the government would need to use this interview is to establish a lack of remorse on Council's part to show why he may deserve the death penalty.

The defense is also asking a judge to require the government to produce notes and documents that could expose any issues with the reliability or credibility of Ward's testimony, including his criminal record and any agreements or plea deals.

Because the government is seeking the ultimate punishment in this case, the defense said this information is even more relevant and important due of the possible outcome of Council's trial.

"It follows from this concept that if the Government intends to elicit testimony from Ward as to an aggravating factor, in this case lack of remorse, Due Process requires that the Government turn over to the defense any information it has tending to negate that evidence or testimony," court documents said.

Council's trial date is tentatively set for January 2019. He is accused of murdering Donna Major and Katie Skeen at the CresCom Bank on Aug. 21, 2017.