nyvictoria
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Generally speaking, something that crosses state lines like kidnapping, or something that happens on federal property like a military base or national park. Federal crimes are also things that involved interstate commerce or failure to pay federal taxes. Actually, there is a possible case to be made that the adult children were kidnapped across state lines, but I don't know if they federal authorities will take the case.
Every possible case is not investigated if it is already apparent someone will spend the rest of their lives in prison or get the death penalty in another jurisdiction. Sometimes a feds or a state will wait to see the results of another trail before deciding to prosecute. For example, if the Turpins received a light sentence or were acquitted in California, Texas or the Feds might decide to prosecute.
What can happen if a state prosecution is not successful (which I doubt in this case but you never know) the federal govt can come in after and try the defendant under a federal law, such as kidnapping. I cant think of a case offhand but it can and does happen. Someone more versed in law than I am can probably explain better.
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