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| Blog and Media Roundup - Wednesday, October 28, 2009; News Roundup | |
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| Topic Started: Oct 28 2009, 05:29 AM (349 Views) | |
| abb | Oct 28 2009, 06:58 AM Post #16 |
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http://falserapesociety.blogspot.com/ Wednesday, October 28, 2009 Lehigh University student waives hearing, faces trial for alleged false rape report UPDATE to our story Here. We will update when a verdict is handed down. Trial for false rape report. A 19-year-old Lehigh University student who allegedly made a false report about being raped by a campus police officer waived a preliminary hearing today and could stand trial. Brielynne Neumann, of Shrewsbury, Mass., was laying in the center of Parkhill Street at 11:49 p.m. Sept. 3 when Bethlehem police approached her, according to court records. She identified herself as Brei Scano and gave a fake date of birth, records say. The lie backfired when police, who claim she was intoxicated, took her to her sorority house to verify her identity, records say. Neumann then told officers she had been raped the day before by a man who claimed to be a Lehigh University police officer, records say. Bethlehem police turned the investigation over to Pennsylvania State Police, who interviewed Neumann Sept. 4. According to records, Neumann told a state trooper a different tale then the one she spun for Bethlehem police. She told the trooper she got into a car with a man who said he was a police officer; he groped her before she fled, records say. When the trooper asked Neumann to sign her statement, she refused, according to police, and recanted the entire story. The trooper wrote in the criminal affidavit, "She admitted that she made the whole thing up." Neumann waived her preliminary hearing today before District Judge Nancy Matos Gonzalez. She faces trial on a charge of false reports. She remains free in lieu of $20,000 unsecured bail. She also waived her hearing on charges of false identification to law enforcement, public drunkenness and underage drinking. Link: http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/bethlehem/index.ssf/2009/10/lehigh_student_waives_hearing.html |
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| abb | Oct 28 2009, 07:03 AM Post #17 |
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http://www.volunteertv.com/home/headlines/66363912.html Updated: 4:43 AM Oct 28, 2009 Davidson jury going home, deliberations to continue Wed The jury in Lemaricus Davidson's double-murder trial ended the day Tuesday without a verdict. Posted: 8:23 AM Oct 27, 2009 Reporter: Mike McCarthy Email Address: mike.mccarthy@wvlt-tv.com KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- The jury in Lemaricus Davidson's double-murder trial ended the day Tuesday without a verdict. Jurors deliberated Davidson's fate for about less than five hours Tuesday, but they say they need more time to get through the more than three dozen counts Davidson faces. While they deliberated, Judge Richard Baumgartner heard just how much these crimes have affected the victims' families. Accused killer Lemaricus Davidson's defenders have argued that the January 2007 carjacking, kidnapping, rape and murder of Channon Christian, 21, and Christopher Newsom, 23, is "not simple and it' not clear." Davidson's the accused ringleader in the killings. "It would be simpler for all of us if it happened just the way we all thought that it did in the beginning," Defense attorney David Eldridge said during closing arguments. Prosecutors have argued the couple was kidnapped, but in closing arguments Eldridge suggested the couple was searching for drugs near drug-dealer Davidson's house. "That connection to Mr. Davidson, unfortunately and tragically put these two young people into contact with the gang from Kentucky." The so-called "gang from Kentucky" is made up of Davidson's co-defendants: Letalvis Cobbins, George Thomas and Vanessa Coleman. Eldridge blamed them for killing the couple, not Davidson. "Is he going to ensure all this goes down 100 yards from his house?" Eldridge asked. "Is he going to leave the body in his house?" Prosecutors reminded jurors of testimony from Davidson's ex-girlfriend. She said Davidson blocked her from his kitchen where Christian's body was later found. "What did he tell her? 'This is my house. this is my house,' " prosecutor Leland Price said during closing arguments. " 'You're not going any further. I don't want you to see what going on behind me.' " As jurors deliberated, the judge approved what the Christian and Newsom families could tell the jury. "Our lives will never be the same again because of a senseless crime was committed by people who have no regard for life," Christopher's mother, Mary Newsom, said. "I said, 'I love you sis.' " Channon's brother Chase Christian said. "She said, 'I love you too, Chaser.' That was the last words she ever said to me." Whether or not jurors hear the victim impact statements depends on their verdicts. The Chrisitan and Newsom families will read those, if Davidson is convicted of first degree murder or first degree felony murder. In those statements, the families again defended their kids. Channon's mom said she her daughter didn't use drugs and she can prove it. Judge Baumgartner told Christopher's father, Hugh Newsom, that he can't share two anecdotes about his son with jurors, because they did not directly involve the family, but rather how his death impacted friends. Also, the judge told Channon's mother that she cannot attack defense tactics that, according to the victims' families, put Christian and Newsom themselves on trial in the case. Jurors will start deliberating again Wednesday morning. ----- KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- The jury in the Lemaricus Davidson murder trial is going home for the day and will continue deliberations Wednesday morning. ----- KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- The Newsom and Christian families are reading their victim impact statements ahead of the jury's verdict. The Judge must approve the statements before they are heard by the jury, depending on their verdict, during the sentencing phase of Davidson's trial. ----- KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WLVT) -- The fate of accused killer Lemaricus Davidson is now in jurors' hands. Closing arguments concluded just before noon Tuesday. Davidson is the second of four suspects going to trial for the deaths of Channon Christian, 21, and Christopher Newsom, 23. The defense spent more than an hour trying to plant reasonable doubt in jurors' minds. Davidson's attorneys blame the crimes on the so-called "gang from Kentucky"--Davidson's co-defendants Letavlis Cobbins, George Thomas and Vanessa Coleman. Attorney David Eldridge told jurors that the "gang from Kentucky" fled north, and although Davidson shouldn't have hid, he hid here in Knoxville. Elrdidge questioned why Davidson would've left Christian's body in his house and newsom's body about 100 yards away. The defense said there's no evidence Davidson was even at their railroad tracks where Newsom was found, and Eldridge reminded the jury prosecutors can't prove what gun killed him. Police have found Davidson's palm prints on some of the bags wrapped around Christian's body. Eldridge said that doesn't prove Davidson killed her, and argued for jurors to use their common sense about how palm prints can get on a common household item. "If you go home after this jury selection and there's a dead body your house and its got garbage bags from your house in it, and they've got your prints on it, you're going to be charged with first degree murder," Eldridge said. "Use your common sense. You pick a bag up you put it down, you're prints are on it." Elrdige also argued the couple was searching for the drugs the night they went missing, but he said his goal wasn't to put Christian and Newsom in a bad ligh and doesn't minimize the amount the couple suffered. Both the proseuction and defense arguments were full of passionate pleas for the jury. ----- KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- Jurors have been given their instructions, and Lemaricus Davidson's fate is now in their hands as they begin their deliberations. ----- KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) ---The jury will begin deliberating accused killer Lemaricus Davidson's fate after lunch today. Davidson's the alleged ringleader in the carjacking, rape, and murder of Channon Christian and Christopher Newsom. The defense and prosecution finished closing arguments Tuesday morning. ------- KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- Closing arguments are complete, and the jury will soon begin deliberations in the Christian-Newsom murder trial of Lemaricus Davidson. ----- KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- Today marks the seventh day of Lemaricus Davidson's trial for allegedly carjacking, kidnapping, raping and murdering Channon Christian, 21, and Christopher Newsom, 23, in January 2007. Closing arguments are set to begin at 9 a.m. The proof phase of the trial is complete, and the jury is expected to begin deliberations today. You can watch the court proceedings live on VolunteerTV.com. Volunteer TV's Mike McCarthy is at the courthouse, and he'll be providing updates all day on Volunteer TV News and on VolunteerTV.com. You can also follow his updates on Twitter. Just follow @WVLT. |
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| abb | Oct 28 2009, 07:05 AM Post #18 |
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http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2009/oct/27/fbi-widens-death-threats-probe-subpoenas-kns-onlin/ FBI widens death-threats probe, subpoenas KNS online records By News Sentinel staff Tuesday, October 27, 2009 Editor's note: The status of the user who posted the comment in question has been clarified from an earlier version of this story. KNOXVILLE — The FBI has expanded its investigation of reported death threats against attorneys for the alleged ringleader in the torture slayings of a Knox County couple. The News Sentinel was served Monday with a federal grand jury subpoena for information related to a comment posted in September on its Web site, knoxnews.com. On the advice of corporate counsel, the newspaper turned over the information late Monday to FBI Special Agent Gregg Harmon. The information is to be presented to a federal grand jury Nov. 3, according to the subpoena. “We value and take seriously our users’ privacy and do not as a normal course of business provide non-public information about our users to any third party,” said Jack Lail, director of news innovation for the News Sentinel and its Web site . “In this instance, however, we were served with a subpoena requesting very specific information as part of an ongoing investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.” The investigation into the alleged death threats became public Oct. 16 during pre-trial motions hearings. Attorneys Doug Trant and David Eldridge held a press conference and disclosed the threats against them and their families, saying they had been targeted by phone and by mail, which gives the FBI jurisdiction to probe the incidents. The attorneys said they had been receiving threats for a while and only turned to the FBI when their families became targets. After the attorneys’ comments, the FBI confirmed the probe. The comment in question was posted at 5:54 p.m. on Sept. 8. The comment was removed at 6:02 p.m. after a News Sentinel editor determined it violated Web site user guidelines, and the poster has since been banned. “This is only the second time in the 15 years we have been operating online services that we have provided non-public information to law enforcement authorities,” Lail said. “The earlier instance several years ago involved a request by the Secret Service for information about a commenter whose comments were viewed as threatening to the life of then President George W. Bush.” The U.S. Attorney’s Office asked the News Sentinel not to disclose the issuance of the latest subpoena. “The case is of great public interest, and the subpoena involves the News Sentinel’s interaction with its readers,” said editor Jack McElroy. “The FBI gave us no indication of why secrecy was important to its investigation, so we are revealing the subpoena on the basis of newsworthiness and in the interest of transparency.” Final arguments are to continue today for Davidson, who is charged in the January 2007 slayings of University of Tennessee student Channon Christian, 21, and her boyfriend, Christopher Newsom, 23. Davidson faces the death penalty if convicted. Criminal Court Judge Richard Baumgarnter heard motions in February from attorneys for two of the four suspects in the torture slayings focusing on media organizations, including the News Sentinel, allowing anonymous commentary on their Web sites,. Citing hate-filled Web postings including death threats against them, attorney Scott Green, who, with partner Kim Parton, represents Letalvis Cobbins, asked the judge to either boot the media out of the courtroom or kick him off the case. Attorney Tom Dillard, who, along with Steve Johnson, is representing George Thomas, asked the judge to force local media to either disable such anonymous commentary on stories pertaining to the case or require the news organizations to draft policies requiring posters to reveal their identities and do a better job of policing content. Baumgartner declined in April to release Green from representing Cobbins, who was convicted in August and sentenced to life without parole for his role in the slayings. The judge also opined that ordering the media to essentially censor Web sites by disallowing readers to post comments on stories related to the case was too drastic a solution, as was stripping readers of their anonymity when posting. More details as they develop online and in Wednesday’s News Sentinel. |
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| abb | Oct 28 2009, 07:06 AM Post #19 |
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http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2009/oct/27/torture-slaying-trial-day-8-jury-begin-deliberatio/ Torture-slaying trial, Day 8: Deliberations done for today; jurors back Wednesday By Jamie Satterfield Originally published 11:45 a.m., October 27, 2009 Updated 05:11 p.m., October 27, 2009 KNOXVILLE - Knox County Criminal Court jurors have ended deliberations for the day in the trial of accused torture-slaying ringleader Lemaricus Davidson. After mulling murder and other charges for about four hours against Davidson, 28, the sequestered panel decided to break off about 5 p.m. They are expected to resume deliberations Wednesday morning. As they considered whether to convict Davidson in the killings and rapes of Channon Christian, 21, and Christopher Newsom, 23, the jury posed one question to Judge Richard Baumgartner. They sought clarification on the difference between aggravated rape, which addresses the actual act, and facilitation of aggravated rape, which addresses one's alleged role in helping a rape to occur. If convicted of first-degree murder, Davidson faces a potential death sentence. Jurors will consider his punishment in a separate proceeding if they convict him of first-degree murder. Davidson is facing a total of 38 counts including kidnapping, theft, rape and murder. In other developments today, the next suspect facing trial in the January 2007 torture slayings of the Knox County couple demanded copies of material used by prosecutors in Davidson's trial. Attorneys Tom Dillard and Steve Johnson filed a motion on behalf of suspect George Thomas. They seek copies of a printed timeline referred to in closing arguments by prosecutor Takisha Fitzgerald this week. They also want copies of an aerial photograph of the Chipman Street neighborhood where Davidson lived and where authorities say Christian and Newsom were attacked and held captive. In addition, the attorneys are seeking a copy of a diagram of the layout of Davidson's house, which has since been torn down. The motion does not list a reason for the requests and only argues Thomas, 28, is entitled under the law to the three exhibits. Suspect Letalvis Cobbins, 26, Davidson's brother, was convicted by a Davidson County jury in August and sentenced to life without parole. Thomas is to set to be tried Dec. 1 by a jury to be chosen from Chattanooga in mid-November. Suspect Vanessa Coleman, 21, is being allowed to appeal a key ruling over immunity so no trial date has been set for her. A fifth defendant, Eric Boyd, was convicted in federal court of being an accessory after the fact for hiding Davidson. He is serving an 18-year prison sentence and has not been charged in state court. In closing arguments today in the Davidson trial, defense attorney David Eldridge said all the state could offer was a "made up story" about the events surrounding the slayings. "It is not simple," Eldridge said. "It is not clear." He argued Davidson's only crime was introducing the victims to the "gang from Kentucky" - Cobbins, Thomas and Coleman. Davidson contends he left the house before the crimes occurred. Prosecutor Leland Price argued Davidson was a desperate man on the weekend the couple went missing. "He had no job," Price said. "He had no money. He had the rent man coming by wanting the rent. He had no ride. He had no girlfriend." More details as they develop online and in Wednesday's News Sentinel. |
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| abb | Oct 28 2009, 07:08 AM Post #20 |
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http://www.wbir.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=102954&catid=2 Tell us what you think: Victims' rights Katie Shands 12 hrs ago Lemaricus Davidson is on trial for the carjacking and murders of Channon Christian and Chris Newsom. On Tuesday, the victims' family members read their victim impact statements to Judge Richard Baumgartner. Channon's father Gary Christian didn't take the stand at the prosecution's recommendation. According to the Christians, the prosecution said Gary could be cross-examined. The grieving father has been very agitated with the defense in this case. Meanwhile, Judge Baumgartner asked two family members to remove some statements that referred to how the Davidson case was tried. So tell us what you think. Do you think victims and their families have enough rights? |
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| abb | Oct 28 2009, 07:09 AM Post #21 |
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http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2009/oct/28/case-hands-jury/ Torture slayings case in hands of jury Slaying victims’ families preview impact statements By Jamie Satterfield Wednesday, October 28, 2009 Who’s fooling who? In the final round of closing arguments Tuesday in the trial of alleged torture slaying ringleader Lemaricus Davidson, both sides accused the other of trying to fool jurors with unsupported claims. “The prosecution has said they can’t tell you a story,” defense attorney David Eldridge told jurors. “What the prosecution did … was they made one up.” “(Davidson’s) story is totally absurd,” prosecutor Leland Price countered. “You haven’t been presented with a story (by the prosecution). What you’ve been presented with is a first-degree murder case.” This five-woman, seven-man Knox County jury spent five hours weighing just which version of events to believe in the January 2007 slayings of Channon Christian, 21, and Christopher Newsom, 23, before deciding to pack it in for the night. They will return this morning to continue deliberations. About midway through their deliberations Tuesday, the panel returned to the courtroom to ask for clarification on the difference between the charge of aggravated rape and the lesser charge of facilitation of aggravated rape. “I’m constrained to say too much,” Judge Richard Baumgartner replied. “All I can do is refer you to the (legal) instructions.” It was a telling question in terms of where in the 41-page verdict form the jury may have reached Tuesday. The rape allegations in the 38-count indictment are listed after murder, kidnapping and robbery charges. It also could be telling on which rape charge there was a question. There is only one alleged rape act that the state contends was actually committed by Letalvis Cobbins — an oral rape of Christian — but for which prosecutors say Davidson still is criminally responsible. Davidson is directly accused of committing the remaining rapes of Christian. Eldridge argued earlier Tuesday that Davidson is innocent of all the crimes, including rape, even though the defense concedes DNA proof of “sexual intercourse” between Davidson and Christian. Although Eldridge never used the term “consensual,” the implication was clear. Eldridge told jurors Davidson’s only crime was introducing Newsom and Christian, whom the defense alleges were drug customers and not innocent carjacking victims, to the “gang of Kentucky” staying at his Chipman Street home. The defense has assigned that moniker to Cobbins, who is Davidson’s brother, and suspects George Thomas and Vanessa Coleman. “There he is, Mr. ‘Rome,’ ” Eldridge said, flashing a photograph of Cobbins, whose nickname is “Rome,” onto a movie screen. “He’s a convict, attempted robbery in New York. Mr. ‘Rome’ has been described to you as mean. Mr. Cobbins’ DNA and Ms. Coleman’s DNA were on the bindings used to bind Ms. Christian. Remember that … George Thomas — he’s been described as creepy.” Price told jurors that Christian and Newsom walked out of Washington Ridge apartments with jobs, money, loving families and friends, transportation and bright futures. Davidson, he countered, had none of those things when their paths crossed that fateful night. “He had no job,” Price said. “He had no money. … He had no ride. He had no girlfriend.” When the fatal encounter ended, Price said, the tables had turned. “(Christian) lost everything, just like her boyfriend,” he said. “Suddenly things are looking up for Mr. Davidson, because now he’s got (Christian’s) clothes to give to his girlfriend. He’s got a nice ride (in Christian’s SUV). He’s offering money as well to his girlfriend. He took everything they had and everything they were going to have. He took it.” While the jury deliberated, Baumgartner conducted a preview of statements the couple’s families want to present to jurors should they convict Davidson of any of the murder counts, which would trigger a penalty phase hearing at which Davidson’s life will be at stake. The law allows victim impact statements, but appellate courts have put strict controls on what those statements can contain, prompting the preview by Baumgartner. The judge left the statements largely intact, though he ordered Newsom’s father, Hugh Newsom, to cut a poignant description of tributes paid to the slain Newsom at friends’ weddings. He also instructed Christian’s mother, Deena Christian, to strike commentary aimed at the defense. “Our kids are victims,” she had said. “They should not have been put on trial here.” The judge is allowing the families to present photographs of the couple when they were alive, a move denied to them in the August penalty phase hearing in Cobbins’ case. Cobbins’ life was spared by a Davidson County jury. Jamie Satterfield may be reached at 865-342-6308. |
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| abb | Oct 28 2009, 07:15 AM Post #22 |
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http://www.wbir.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=102893&provider=gnews Update: Victim impact statements edited Yvette Martinez 11 hrs ago Victim impact statements reviewed Judge Richard Baumgartner will listen to family members put into words their pain caused by the murders of Channon Christian and Chris Newsom. Hugh and Mary Newsom shared their victim impact statements along with Chris' older sister Andrea Bowers. "I specifically remember him walking up to me that day and putting his arm around me before he left to meet friends this was the last time I saw my brother," Andrea Bowers said. "I mourn the loss of my brother and the life he never got to live." Mary Newsom's remarks were brief, but her point was clear. "I am the proud mother of Chris Newsom because I know what Chris Newsom was really like." The baseball player from Halls High School was also memorialized by his father, who talked about the loss that the family and their friends suffered. Newsom was expected to be a groomsman in a friend's wedding, but he was murdered before he could celebrate that day. Hugh Newsom said his son was not replaced at that wedding. Instead an empty space was left to remember the 23-year old son, uncle, brother and friend. "Chris was no saint and I don't believe we've ever tried to leave that impression, however, he's never been charged with carjacking or rape," Hugh Newsom said. However, Judge Baumgartner asked Newsom to remove the wedding story and his remarks about his son not facing carjacking or rape charges. "Our kids are the victims they should not have been put on trial here," Deena Christian said after she explained her close relationship with her daughter. The West Knox County mother explained that she knew her daughter very well, and knew that she never did drugs. Christian called her daughter her best friend. After Christian was finished with her statements, the judge asked her to remove mention of the victims being put on trial. "People have the right to present evidence the way they think they ought to present evidence," Judge Baumgartner said. "I don't want you to refer to their particular trial tactics." Prosecutors asked Gary Christian not take the stand. They told the grieving father that he could be cross-examined, and he could get frustrated with defense attorneys. However, Channon's older brother Chase shared his statements with the court. "I said I love you sis, and she said I love you Chaser," Chase Christian said. "Those were the last words she ever said to me. That was the last time I ever saw my baby sister, my inspiration, and my best friend." Both families are wearing read as a show of solidarity and because Sutton testified Davidson would not let her wear red because he hated red. Davidson admitted to officers that he was in a gang. Investigators say he and his brother Letalvis Cobbins are members of the crips. Crips typically wear blue and their enemies "bloods" wear red. Judge Baumgartner approved several pictures of the victims for use during the sentencing phase of the Davidson trial. The judge allowed baseball pictures of Newsom, Christian photographed with children, and the couple together. Photographs of the victims with their families will also be allowed. However, the judge did not allow pictures of Christian and Newsom as young children. Co-defendant monitoring trial Lemaricus Davidson's trial isn't quite over, but attorneys for George Thomas are not wasting anytime is collecting information from the proceeding. Thomas Dillard and Stephen Johnson want the timeline used by the prosecution during Takisha Fitzgerald's closing arguments. In a motion filed on Tuesday, Thomas' attorneys also asked for the aerial pictures of Davidson's house at 2316 Chipman Street and Washington Ridge Apartments. The diagram of Davidson's house that was entered into evidence during this trial is also on the list being requested by Thomas' lawyers. Thomas is expected to go to trial on December 1st. Before deliberations began Judge Richard Baumgartner has called a panel of Knox County jurors attentive and inquisitive. They have asked written questions throughout the trial, however they were told by the prosecution that they won't have all the answers. Prosecutor Takisha Fitzgerald delivered the first half of the state's closing arguments in the Lemaricus Davidson trial on Monday. First thing Tuesday, the judge said Fitzgerald's allegations that Newsom was repeatedly raped by Davidson and Christian was raped orally by the defendant prompted 3 more pages of jury instructions. Defense closing arguments David Eldridge began his closing arguments with a story of British soldiers living in Boston in 1770. During a skirmish, Eldridge told jurors that the soldiers killed some civilians and outraged the community. Davidson's lead attorney compared that case, to the murders of Channon Christian and Chris Newsom which has caused outrage in the region. Eldridge then started his attack on the prosecution's case by taking aim at the prosecution first. Eldridge told jurors that Fitzgerald made up a story about Davidson's involvement in the murders of Christian and Newsom. The defense pointed the finger at Letalvis Cobbins, George Thomas and Vanessa Coleman for the crimes. He talked about testimony from Stacey Lawson that Coleman tried to hide Cobbin's gun under a bed at Natasha Hayes' house in Lebanon, Kentucky. Eldridge alleges Coleman knew the gun was used to kill Newsom. The testimony of KPD firearms examiner Patricia Resig was also used to remind the jury that she could not conclusively identify Davidson's gun as the murder weapon. Resig also could not eliminate Cobbins' gun. "You don't send a person to jail because they're gun could have been used," Eldridge said. Investigators have called Davidson the ringleader in the case, but Eldridge disputed that theory. "If Mr. Davidson is in charge of all this, is he gonna ensure that it goes down a 100 yards from his house? Is he gonna make them leave the body in his house," Eldridge told the jury. The defense attorney admitted that Davidson was a drug dealer, then continued to allege a connection between the victims and the defendant. "So I want make clear there is nothing about those two young people's drug use or connection with Mr. Davidson that makes it any less terrible as to what happened to them or deminishes in any way the pain," Eldridge continued. The testimony of the Knox County Medical Examiner also came under fire during closing arguments. Davidson's attorney pointed out paperwork with a signature from Dr. Darinka Mileusnic-Polchan that indicates Christian died on January 9, 2007. That was the day she was found. However, the medical examiner testified in this case that Christian could have died sometime between Sunday night and Monday afternoon. During Eric Boyd's April 2008 trial in federal court, Dr. Mileusnic-Polchan testified Christian died sometime Sunday afternoon or night. Also during the Letalvis Cobbins' trial in August, the medical examiner said Christian's time of death was sometime Sunday night into early Monday morning. Rebuttal Assistant District Attorney Leland Price started his rebuttal by reminding the jury about the lives of Christian and Newsom. He said they had each other, jobs and everything to live for. "He was a young man with his whole life, his adult life ahead of him," Price told jurors. "She had a boyfriend that loved her she too had a lot going for her." At that time, Price said Davidson was unemployed, didn't have money, the rent was due, Ethel Lynn Freeman wanted money and he didn't have a car. Price said "he had nothing except, ladies and gentlemen, he had a gun." Then Price painted a gruesome picture of how the victims lost everything, while Davidson gained their belongings and 'Christian's SUV. "Chris Newsom's down there on the railroad tracks. Everything's been taken from him," Price said while showing the jurors pictures of the victims' bodies. "She had been stuffed in a trash can there, at 2316 chipman street and she was slowly suffocating to death. She had lost everything just like her boyfriend." The prosecutor admitted there are going to be unanswered questions in this case. "There's only two people who can tell you what really happened to them," Price said as he showed the jury pictures of Christian's and Newsom's bodies. "But Mr. Davidson and his accomplices made sure they would never tell you all those, give you all those answers." "They're the ones who put this bag over her face so she would never talk again. They're the ones who stuffed the socks in his mouth," Price added. Deliberations begin Shortly after noon, Judge Baumgartner finished giving the jury the second half of their instructions before giving them case to begin deliberations. After eating lunch the panel went to work on the case at around 1 p.m.. The judge separated the 2 alternates from the panel of 12 during deliberations. Meanwhile, the jurors will go through 41 pages of 38 charges against Davidson. Although the verdict form indicates there are 46 charges, some of the rape charges were merged after a motions request earlier this year. |
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| MikeKell | Oct 28 2009, 08:43 AM Post #23 |
Still a Newbie
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Here's another false rape claim (if you want to be depressed, go to news.google.com and search for false rape or rape claim and see how many stories come up! http://cbs2chicago.com/local/false.rape.claim.2.1274643.html Oct 27, 2009 6:47 pm US/Central Police: NU Student's Rape Claim Was False A Northwestern University student's report of being forced off a CTA train and raped on her way back to campus early Tuesday is false, Chicago Police confirmed Tuesday evening. "It was not bonafide," police News Affairs Officer John Mirabelli said. According to a Northwestern University release, the girl told authorities she boarded a northbound CTA Red Line L train at the Addison station heading back to Evanston about 12:50 a.m. when a man followed her into the train. The suspect allegedly coerced her to come with him, forcing her off the train at the Jarvis Street station in the Roger's Park neighborhood, the release said. When she tried to escape, she was allegedly forced into an apartment building a half-block away where she was sexually assaulted. She later escaped and notified police. The news release featured on Northwestern's Web site has since been removed. Chicago Police could not confirm whether any charges would be filed against the girl. Belmont Area detectives are investigating. NOTE THE NEWSRELEASE ON NORTHWESTERN'S PAPER SITE HAS NOT BEEN REMOVED: JUST EDITED! IT STILL INCLUDES THE ORIGINAL HEADLINE: SEE: http://www.northbynorthwestern.com/2009/10/54678/nu-student-sexually-assaulted/ |
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| ~J~ is in Wonderland | Oct 28 2009, 09:51 AM Post #24 |
~J~ is in Wonderland
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If you would like to see Gov.Easley testifying in person ... he is on the stand now. http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/livenow?id=6396507 |
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| Baldo | Oct 28 2009, 10:21 AM Post #25 |
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abb, as I read the articles from the papers it shows me that Louisiana no longer holds high the torch of corruption as that honor is clearly now in the hands of North Carolina. For me I would just be happy if the State legislature would pass a statute demanding all Grand Jury proceedings be recorded and at least come into the 20th Century. Maybe then it could dip its toe into the 21th century and take the "Big Step" of requiring the DA to present exculpatory evidence to the Grand Jury. Meanwhile Chief Lopez vacationed in Peru... Edited by Baldo, Oct 28 2009, 10:21 AM.
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| abb | Oct 28 2009, 10:32 AM Post #26 |
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I've been saying that for some time. I have a decently reliable network of political types, lawyers, newsies and so forth that I have been active with for 30 or so years. I certainly could be wrong, but I just don't think what happened in Durham 3 1/2 years ago could have happened in Shreveport or Baton Rouge or Lafayette. First of all we have on our side my very good friend Moon Griffon. Statewide talk radio guy. He lives to sniff out political corruption and put it on the air. A newspaper or a DA here could not stand up to him once the defense team told him what really happened. Moon would have been all over it like a coat of paint. |
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| abb | Oct 28 2009, 03:50 PM Post #27 |
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http://blogs.newsobserver.com/campusnotes/oblinger-may-have-new-job-lined-up Oblinger may have new job lined up Submitted by eferreri on 10/28/2009 - 13:25 James Oblinger, the former N.C. State chancellor who resigned earlier this year amid questions over his handling of the hiring of former First lady Mary Easley and other issues, is a finalist for another top university gig. Oblinger is one of five finalists for the presidency of the New Mexico State University system. Oblinger's departure at NCSU was an ugly one. He resigned as questions mounted over his handling of Easley's hiring and of the departure package he okayed for Provost Larry Nielsen. Months after his resignation, the UNC system's Board of Governors even reduced the amount of pay he received in his own settlement. And yet, he's not the New Mexico State candidate with the freshest wounds. That would be another of the five announced finalists, Richard Herman. Herman resigned as chancellor of the University of Illinois just last week, embroiled in a scandal related to his university's admissions process. |
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| abb | Oct 28 2009, 03:52 PM Post #28 |
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http://www.newsobserver.com/politics/state/story/162080.html Published Wed, Oct 28, 2009 11:38 AM Modified Wed, Oct 28, 2009 12:16 PM Secret reasons prevent testimony at hearings Ruffin Poole, a confidant to former Gov. Mike Easley, does not have to testify before the State Board of Elections, a judge said again today. But the reason to quash Poole's subpoena is a secret, and it may remain that way. The State Board of Elections subpoenaed Poole to testify at the hearing probing Easley's campaign finances. Poole asked a judge to quash the subpoena, citing attorney-client privilege and a second, secret reason that Poole outlined in a sealed affidavit. Superior Court Henry Barnette Jr. agreed on Monday to quash the subpoena, but a dispute over the wording of the order delayed the signing of the order until today. The order bases the decision on the secret affidavit, not attorney-client privilege. The State Board of Elections has said it will appeal the order to the state Court of Appeals. It is unclear how quickly the appeals court will hear the matter. |
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| abb | Oct 28 2009, 04:45 PM Post #29 |
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http://falserapesociety.blogspot.com/ Wednesday, October 28, 2009 Another false rape claim, another chance for police to say they aren't sure if she'll be charged It seems it has become a tradition in false rape cases for police to be unsure whether charges should be filed. You know, they aren't sure if a crime should be punished. Funny, they have no such hesitation for any other serious crime. The following news story is another example: Police: NU Student's Rape Claim Was False CHICAGO ― A Northwestern University student's report of being forced off a CTA train and raped on her way back to campus early Tuesday is false, Chicago Police confirmed Tuesday evening. "It was not bonafide," police News Affairs Officer John Mirabelli said. According to a Northwestern University release, the girl told authorities she boarded a northbound CTA Red Line L train at the Addison station heading back to Evanston about 12:50 a.m. when a man followed her into the train. The suspect allegedly coerced her to come with him, forcing her off the train at the Jarvis Street station in the Roger's Park neighborhood, the release said. When she tried to escape, she was allegedly forced into an apartment building a half-block away where she was sexually assaulted. She later escaped and notified police.The news release featured on Northwestern's Web site has since been removed. Chicago Police could not confirm whether any charges would be filed against the girl. Belmont Area detectives are investigating. Link: http://cbs2chicago.com/local/false.rape.claim.2.1274643.html |
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| DMom | Oct 28 2009, 07:43 PM Post #30 |
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http://www.charlotteobserver.com/topstories/story/1024965.html Commission recommends removal for Judge Belk The state's Judicial Standards Commission is recommending that Mecklenburg County Judge Bill Belk be removed from the bench. Belk said the commission gave its recommendation Wednesday after several days of hearings were conducted last month Belk is accused of having a conflict because he serves on the board of Sonic Automotive. He's also accused of making disparaging remarks about Chief Judge Lisa Bell. "It was to be expected," Belk said, speaking exclusively to NewsChannel 36 on Wednesday. "I knew that this was coming down, actually, when I got elected because the rumor mill was talking about it -- that they were going to try to figure out how to get me off the bench. The issues that have come forth at this time -- if it hadn't been those issues it would have been something else." Belk believes the charges against him -- willful misconduct -- are payback for his attempt to reform the courts. The state Supreme Court has the ultimate say. There's no word on when the court may make its decision. Easley's not the only one....... |
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