Prosecutors seek death penalty against veterinarian accused of killing pregnant mistress, a veterinary technician

Landsdale, Pa.

— Veterinarian David Rapoport pleaded not guilty at his formal arraignment June 10 to two aggravated murder charges. But County District Attorney James B. Martin says the office will seek the death penalty.

In a statement, Martin’s office says the charges—criminal homicide and criminal homicide of an unborn child—warrant the death penalty since multiple murders were committed and because, at the time of the killing, victim Jennifer Snyder, a veterinary technician, was pregnant.

Rapoport was charged with murder in March 2011.

Rapoport and Snyder had worked together in the same veterinary practice until shortly before the murder. Rapoport had taken a position at another area veterinary practice. However, police allege that Rapoport and Snyder were in a relationship. While the victim Snyder was single, Rapoport was married.

According to her autopsy, Snyder was 10- to 12-weeks pregnant at the time of her death, police say.

Snyder was shot in the back and the head with a 9-mm semi-automatic handgun. The suspected murder weapon was found in a local nature preserve, according to the district attorney’s office.

Rapoport’s attorneys, John J. Griffin and John Waldron, have until Aug. 1 to enter any pre-trial motions. They have ordered evaluations and could present an insanity plea to the courts at that time.

Rapoport’s trial date is set for Sept. 19.