FARMINGTON, Utah (ABC 4 News) - Davis County prosecutors say they'll seek capital murder charges against Nathan and Stephanie Sloop.
The sloops are accused of murdering their son Ethan.
The Sloops made a brief appearance in court on Friday.
Prosecutors and defense attorneys say there's nothing on the table to reduce the aggravated murder charges against the Sloops.
Prosecutors say they don't plan to back down from most serious of charges against the Sloops.
Supporters for Ethan Stacy and his family came in mass to the Farmington Court Friday morning.
Ethan's mother and stepfather are in jail, as his biological father lives in Virginia.
Despite more delays, Ethan’s supporters plan to be ride the case out until justice is served.
“He wasn't protected, not at all. That's where I'm at. I'll see the bigger picture later where everything needs to be worked out in time and be patient,” said Ethan supporter Tammy Russell.
The boy was allegedly beaten then buried in the mountains. Nathanial Sloop and Ethan's biological mother Stephanie are charged with his death.
In court, both defendants continue to fight the charges and no plea bargains are in the works, but Stephanie Sloop's attorney wants her own separate trial.
Meanwhile, prosecutors say they plan to make this a death penalty case.
Davis County prosecutor Troy Rawlings said, "At this point in time can I tell you we are headed in that direction? Yes I can. But I can also tell you we haven't filed that formal notice of intent yet.
Ethan is the latest of many children murdered by their parents, and it's the second aggravated murder case involving children in Davis County this year alone.
It's a trend that stirs a range of emotions for Ethan's supporters.
“It’s sadness and grief, anger and frustration. It's an epidemic, an epidemic and it's horrible,” said Ethan supporter Anissa Martinez.
Prosecutors haven't officially filed for death penalty. They hope to do so after the preliminary hearing. They say a judge needs to see if there's sufficient evidence to charge the Sloops with aggravated murder.
Ethan supporters plan another memorial walk next week to commemorate his birthday.
