TN - Chris Newsom, 23, & Channon Christian, 21, murdered, Knoxville, 6 Jan 2007 #12

[yolorado]

Coleman will ask for change of venue for jury. Judge will start working on that.

 

[SuziQ]

http://twitter.com/jamiescoop

Coleman to be tried May 10, 2010

Defense atty Russell Greene says Coleman will seek out of town jury

 

[yolorado]

I'll be in and out too, mostly out. Unfortunately life intrudes!

Back to Thomas

Defense wants to address whether Thomas could death penalty having been found guilty of murder actually committed by others. He says court shouldn't be able to get to penalty phase.

 

[SuziQ]

I think there is plenty of wreckless disregard for life on the part of GT's actions or lack of actions.

 

[yolorado]

Judge is reserving that for later as he has motion for acquittal.

 

[yolorado]

I think there is plenty of wreckless disregard for life on the part of GT's actions or lack of actions.

Me too. Lots and lots.

 

[SuziQ]

http://twitter.com/jamiescoop

Thomas attny Johnson argues Thomas shouldn't face death under law cause no prf of direct conduct

 

[yolorado]

Judge requests prosecution to files responses to motion for dismissal and for no penalty phase because Judge says this will clearly be a matter for appeal.

 

[bdr692]

anyone else think that maybe the lack of GT
's DNA on Channon is that he and EB wore jimmy's?

 

[SuziQ]

http://twitter.com/jamiescoop

Judge reserves ruling - no surprise there. 2 instruct jury can't execute Thomas solely on crim responsibility

 

[SuziQ]

Family member asked to testify this morning. Judge says too late. From which family?

 

[SuziQ]

http://twitter.com/jamiescoop

Penalty phase launching now

 

[yolorado]

anyone else think that maybe the lack of GT
's DNA on Channon is that he and EB wore jimmy's?

Of course, or the bleach or fire could have taken out DNA. I think it's a perfectly reasonable assumption that GT did rape and/or murder but is not admitting to what he did. The lack of forensics doesn't necessarily make this guy innocent.

 

[SuziQ]

TK to make opening remarks

 

[SuziQ]

http://twitter.com/jamiescoop

Law limits aggravating factors that can be used push 4 death but mitigators "can be anything" - judge

 

[SuziQ]

http://twitter.com/jamiescoop

TK - agg factors: 1) especially heinous 2) murdered to avoid arrest 3) Chris body mutilated via burning

 

[yolorado]

TK opening statement talking about agrevating cirucumstances.

Espescially heinous and cruel

Murder committed to avoid prosecution by silencing witnesses

Mutilation after death of Chris

Murder occurred in commission of other felony

 

[yolorado]

Defense

Every human life has value

GT's life has value

Defense respects jury's decision (then they shouldn't appeal!

Jury will determine individual punishment for GT

Prosecution must prove aggrevating circumstances apply specifically to GT

 

[yolorado]

Aggrevators must be weighed against mitigators

Burden of proof is on state

 

[SuziQ]

http://twitter.com/jamiescoop

Defense attny Steve Johnson: "George Thomas' life has value"

Johnson - must conclude agg factors apply directly to Thomas, not co-defendants