The Virginian-Pilot
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CHESAPEAKE
The lawyer for the man convicted of killing a Mormon missionary and wounding another asked the judge on Monday to set aside the verdict.
Andrew Sacks contends that a police officer who testified in the case was later present in the courtroom and that an alternate juror who sat near the victim's family - and might have developed a relationship with the sitting jury - could have had an effect on the jury's decision.
The jury on Friday found James Boughton Jr. guilty of first-degree murder, malicious wounding, attempted malicious wounding and three counts of use of a firearm after two days of deliberations. He faces life in prison.
Morgan W. Young and Joshua Heidbrink were shot Jan. 2, 2006, in Deep Creek. Young, 21, died from a gunshot wound to the head.
Judge Randy Smith acknowledged the defense's motion but asked Sacks to file it at a later time so the jury could begin the sentencing phase. That is set to begin at 10 a.m. today.
While arguing for the verdict to be thrown out, Sacks held up Saturday's edition of The Virginian-Pilot, which featured a front-page photo of Heidbrink embracing Chesapeake police Officer E. Jeffries after the verdict was read. Jeffries testified during the trial, and his police dog, Rok, helped locate evidence in the case.
Sacks said officers are "supposed to be neutral" and that the photo illustrated "what we were up against."
Commonwealth's Attorney Nancy Parr said that "different people came and went for both sides" throughout the trial and that the officer and the alternate juror, "had every right to be in a public courtroom."
The court will arrange for police and any jury alternates interested in viewing the proceedings to watch the video in another room.
Pilot writer John Hopkins contributed to this story.
Kristin Davis, (757) 222-5555, kristin.davis@pilotonline.com
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"Sacks only doing his job."
I agree the man should spend the rest of his life behind bars or maybe even be in line to take a seat in the chair, for killing the missionary and wounding the other. Although his lawyer Andrew Sacks was hired to do all he can to get him off, that's what lawyer's do. Don't be angry with the lawyer be angry with the lawmakers Sacks is only doing his job. Always remember innocent people can use just a good lawyer but guilty ones need the best lawyers they can get.
Ooops.....
Did the defense attorney hug the accused family?? Maybe he's bias.
DNA
DNA on the gun... That is the conviction, if there was no DNA or his clothing left at the murder, it might be different. DNA was pulled from the gun. This is the truth...
He needs to pay for his crime with his own life. This is the lack of respect for human life the is more and more apparent with today's youth. No values,No respect and No Fear. Get ready for more with no jobs for these youth and no future.
Whats the problem?
First of all there is nothing wrong with a Police Officer who after testimony being in the courtroom and hugging a victim after the verdict! Remaining neutral as Sacks said is a desperate scraping attempt for a technicality! "neutral" zone is a football offense not one for court.
Secondly, was the alternate juror allowed in the jury room for determining guilt or innocence? Ans: NO. So because of where she sat Mr. Sacks feels she may have influenced the jury??? I dont think so.
Thirdly, backing out of a driveway and running over a child is NOT murder unless it was a premeditated intentional act like that of the suspect in this case!
Suspect was found guilty therefore sentence him accordingly!
Stevenm
Consider the many people who have been convicted, in the last 30yrs alone, by a jury or judge, only to have their conviction overturned on new evidence, especially DNA evidence. If all who were later found innocent had been quickly put to death, following conviction... ; So, if, in your opinion, 1 who takes a life should have their life taken as pay, you should want Ryan Frederick to get the chair.
What a SACK
Pun intended...what a sack. This guy is guilty as sin and his lawyer wants him off on a technicality...sure, if he is remanded to Sack's personal care at his residence. See how that works.
retrail
Both stevenm and norml have valid points, however i beleive that if you accidently kill someone it is an accident when you are carrying a illegal gun and shoot two people it is murder!. stevenm states the DA removed the possibilty of the death for this trial the question is now if he gets a mistrial can the DA put the death penalty back in????
I would say that police are
I would say that police are people, too. And, while their investigations should definitely be impartial, they should certainly be allowed and free to provide support to the victims they have helped.
DUE PROCESS
The police officer should have known better. He is the person wasting your precious taxpayer dollars.
The U.S. Constitution is not a technicality.
technically speaking,
The hug they're talking about & entering into evidence happened after the juries decision. "AFTER" people, not during the trial or deliberations, "AFTER". I do believe it's quite acceptable to hug someone in a moment of happiness, which I'm sure this truly was for the family members & CPD. What I don't believe is that they got the right guy. I don't think this guy is smart enough to do this on his own. The other perp that testified against him has serious credabilty issues. But this jury has spoken, & as our judicial system insist then he must be punished. Let the appeals process go forward & we'll just have to wait & see what comes about. I guess this ones not yet over.