MURDER-FOR-HIRE DEATH PENALTY COLD CASE IN COURT

Chiman Rai Seeks Bond in Murder of Daughter-in-Law

Atlanta— The Louisville, Kentucky man-indicted in Fulton County on charges of hiring "hit" men to kill his daughter-in-law-will appear in Fulton County Superior Court Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. Business owner, Chiman Rai, and four Mississippi men are charged with murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, burglary possession of a firearm and knife during the commission of a felony and conspiracy to commit crime in the April 26, 2000 murder of Sparkle Michelle Rai. Rai was found strangled and stabbed to death in the Union City apartment she shared with her husband, Ricky, and their 7-month-old daughter. Ricky Rai is Chiman Rai's son.

WHO: CHIMAN RAI, defendant

WHAT: Bond Hearing

WHEN: Tuesday, October 17, 2006
10:00a.m.

WHERE: Fulton County Justice Center Tower
185 Central Avenue
Atlanta, GA
Courtroom 1-D
Judge Bensonetta Tipton Lane

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Sheila Ross, head of the Fulton County Multi-Agency Cold Case Squad.

CONTACT: Erik Friedly, 404.224.0560 (office); 770.583.6069 (pager); erik.friedly@co.fulton.ga.us