I'm late, late, late, but I'd like to thank you all too. Special thanks to Suzi! You've a wonderful updater. But thanks to everyone else too!:Banane59:
As for GT and his not standing...:behindbar
TN - Chris Newsom, 23, & Channon Christian, 21, murdered, Knoxville, 6 Jan 2007 #13
- Thread starter SuziQ
- Start date
- Status
I'm late, late, late, but I'd like to thank you all too. Special thanks to Suzi! You've a wonderful updater. But thanks to everyone else too!:Banane59:
As for GT and his not standing...:behindbar
Oh, yeah. Me, too. Now I can't get it out of my mind.
kiki the parrot
Former Member
- Joined
- Sep 22, 2008
- Messages
- 4,481
- Reaction score
- 11
Appeal Could Delay VC Trail, Atty's Want Ruling Re Immunity
Torture-slaying suspect Vanessa Coleman is officially back in the prosecutorial lineup, but it is a trial date written in pencil lest the state's highest court opts to snatch up the case first.
Defense attorney Russell Greene, who is representing Coleman along with Kentucky attorney Theodore Lavit, confirmed last week that the pair will ask the Tennessee Supreme Court to take a look at an immunity issue a lower appellate court refused to consider before Coleman is tried.
Knox County Criminal Court Judge Richard Baumgartner on Thursday set a May 10 trial date in hopes that even if the Supreme Court chooses to hear Coleman's appeal, the issue can be decided by then...
Coleman, 20, had been second in the original trial schedule, nestled between boyfriend Letalvis Cobbins and his brother, ringleader Lemaricus Davidson. But Baumgartner plucked her from the prosecution's trial lineup to give her defenders a chance to seek an appellate answer for a landmark legal question: Is a federal immunity agreement binding on state prosecutors when the two sovereign governments were working hand-in-hand in the probe?
At the time of the slayings, Coleman was just 18, had a relatively clean wrap-sheet and parents urging her to cooperate with authorities. In her, authorities had an eyewitness to the horrors Christian and Newsom suffered and, at the time, no proof she was an active participant in the crimes.
Federal prosecutors, who were trying to build a carjacking case against suspects Cobbins, Davidson, Thomas and Eric Boyd, treated her as a witness, housing her in a local hotel for her protection and inking a proposed immunity deal.
But Coleman never invoked her right against self-incrimination when she testified before a federal grand jury. And state prosecutors took a harsher view of her alleged role, indicting her along with Cobbins, Davidson and Thomas in the murders.
Greene and Lavit cried foul, arguing that authorities had used the young woman, dangling immunity to lull her into cooperating and then using her own words to prosecute her in a capital murder case...
On the eve of Thomas' trial, a three-judge panel of the state Court of Criminal Appeals nixed a delay in Coleman's case, contending that two sovereign governments are free to prosecute as their respective leaders see fit.
The panel conceded, however, that the issue is untested in Tennessee, and that could prove a lure to the state's Supreme Court justices.
Greene said Friday the high court could decide within the next two months whether the appeal will be heard before Coleman is tried.
The legal wrangling and resulting delay hasn't been all bad for prosecutors Leland Price and Takisha Fitzgerald. While a decision on Coleman's appeal bid was pending, the pair unearthed a sole DNA link between Coleman and the slayings. A September testing of a knotted piece of cloth stained with Christian's blood and believed to have been used to bind the slain University of Tennessee senior revealed the presence of Coleman's skin cells...
(full article at link)
http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2009/dec/12/appeal-could-delay-colemans-trial/
arrot:
Torture-slaying suspect Vanessa Coleman is officially back in the prosecutorial lineup, but it is a trial date written in pencil lest the state's highest court opts to snatch up the case first.
Defense attorney Russell Greene, who is representing Coleman along with Kentucky attorney Theodore Lavit, confirmed last week that the pair will ask the Tennessee Supreme Court to take a look at an immunity issue a lower appellate court refused to consider before Coleman is tried.
Knox County Criminal Court Judge Richard Baumgartner on Thursday set a May 10 trial date in hopes that even if the Supreme Court chooses to hear Coleman's appeal, the issue can be decided by then...
Coleman, 20, had been second in the original trial schedule, nestled between boyfriend Letalvis Cobbins and his brother, ringleader Lemaricus Davidson. But Baumgartner plucked her from the prosecution's trial lineup to give her defenders a chance to seek an appellate answer for a landmark legal question: Is a federal immunity agreement binding on state prosecutors when the two sovereign governments were working hand-in-hand in the probe?
At the time of the slayings, Coleman was just 18, had a relatively clean wrap-sheet and parents urging her to cooperate with authorities. In her, authorities had an eyewitness to the horrors Christian and Newsom suffered and, at the time, no proof she was an active participant in the crimes.
Federal prosecutors, who were trying to build a carjacking case against suspects Cobbins, Davidson, Thomas and Eric Boyd, treated her as a witness, housing her in a local hotel for her protection and inking a proposed immunity deal.
But Coleman never invoked her right against self-incrimination when she testified before a federal grand jury. And state prosecutors took a harsher view of her alleged role, indicting her along with Cobbins, Davidson and Thomas in the murders.
Greene and Lavit cried foul, arguing that authorities had used the young woman, dangling immunity to lull her into cooperating and then using her own words to prosecute her in a capital murder case...
On the eve of Thomas' trial, a three-judge panel of the state Court of Criminal Appeals nixed a delay in Coleman's case, contending that two sovereign governments are free to prosecute as their respective leaders see fit.
The panel conceded, however, that the issue is untested in Tennessee, and that could prove a lure to the state's Supreme Court justices.
Greene said Friday the high court could decide within the next two months whether the appeal will be heard before Coleman is tried.
The legal wrangling and resulting delay hasn't been all bad for prosecutors Leland Price and Takisha Fitzgerald. While a decision on Coleman's appeal bid was pending, the pair unearthed a sole DNA link between Coleman and the slayings. A September testing of a knotted piece of cloth stained with Christian's blood and believed to have been used to bind the slain University of Tennessee senior revealed the presence of Coleman's skin cells...
(full article at link)
http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2009/dec/12/appeal-could-delay-colemans-trial/
arrot:
kiki the parrot
Former Member
- Joined
- Sep 22, 2008
- Messages
- 4,481
- Reaction score
- 11
Somber anniversary marks three years since Christian and Newsom murders
Two Knox County families are facing a painful reminder of the the murders of their children.
Thursday is the third anniversary of the murders of Channon Christian and Chris Newsom.
For the past 2 years, both families have held memorial services at the gravesides of the victims.
However, more loss and sickness will keep the Newsom family home. Chris Newsom's maternal grandmother, Emily P. Gray, passed away last week and was buried this weekend. The outdoor ceremony took a toll on the Newsoms. Hugh Newsom caught a cold, and Mary Newsom is trying to recover from the loss of her 90-year old mother.
Mary Newsom said the holidays were horrible as her mother slipped away and the anniversary of her son's murder approached.
Channon Christian's parents also struggled through the holidays. Gary Christian said he is ready to go back to trial and get them over with in 2010.
The fourth defendant is scheduled for trial on May 10. Vanessa Coleman is the only woman charged with the rapes and murders of the couple.
(cont'd at link) I feel so much for these families. May is a long time away and their lives will forever be affected by these senseless killings. Continued prayers for the Newsoms, and the Christians and everyone impacted by these heinous crimes--including the prosecution.rayer:
http://www.wbir.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=109941&catid=2
arrot:
Two Knox County families are facing a painful reminder of the the murders of their children.
Thursday is the third anniversary of the murders of Channon Christian and Chris Newsom.
For the past 2 years, both families have held memorial services at the gravesides of the victims.
However, more loss and sickness will keep the Newsom family home. Chris Newsom's maternal grandmother, Emily P. Gray, passed away last week and was buried this weekend. The outdoor ceremony took a toll on the Newsoms. Hugh Newsom caught a cold, and Mary Newsom is trying to recover from the loss of her 90-year old mother.
Mary Newsom said the holidays were horrible as her mother slipped away and the anniversary of her son's murder approached.
Channon Christian's parents also struggled through the holidays. Gary Christian said he is ready to go back to trial and get them over with in 2010.
The fourth defendant is scheduled for trial on May 10. Vanessa Coleman is the only woman charged with the rapes and murders of the couple.
(cont'd at link) I feel so much for these families. May is a long time away and their lives will forever be affected by these senseless killings. Continued prayers for the Newsoms, and the Christians and everyone impacted by these heinous crimes--including the prosecution.
rayer:http://www.wbir.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=109941&catid=2
arrot:
Indianagirl
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Jul 14, 2008
- Messages
- 1,262
- Reaction score
- 61
Hi all! Here are some new articles. May is getting close, I hope Vanessa is getting scared! Hopefully this will be the year justice is served and no more court dates for the victims' families.
George Thomas conviction: Prosecutors respond to motion for acquittal in murders of Christian and Newsom
On December 11, a Chattonooga jury sentenced Thomas to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the kidnappings, rapes, and murders of Channon Christian and Chris Newsom.
However, during his high profile trial, Thomas' defense attorneys filed a 24-page motion to acquit their client.
Judge Richard Baumgartner did not rule on the motion during the trial, but instead asked the prosecution to submit its response in writing as well.
Baumgartner told the court, Thomas' request for acquittal was compelling and well written. Thomas Dillard and Stephen Johnson wrote the motion.
The judge said he wanted the state's response in writing as a record for appellate courts that may review the Thomas case in the future.
The prosecution has now filed that response.
On Monday, Thomas' attorneys also asked for a new trial for Thomas.
Judge Baumgartner has not ruled on Thomas' request for acquittal or his request for a new trial.
http://www.wbir.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=110743
Convicted killer George Thomas being moved to maximum security prison
A convicted killer, first placed in a medium security prison, has now been moved to a maximum security facility. But why he was in a medium security prison at all is prompting a victim's parents to call for changes to the law.
Gary and Deena Christian, parents of murder victim Channon Christian, are working with legislators to draft and propose new bills to the house.
Channon's Law would dictate that anyone convicted for a heinous crime such as rape or murder would be automatically sent to a maximum security prison.
Chris' Law would allow for the prosecution of lawyers who slander victims. That law's name refers to Christian's boyfriend and fellow murder victim, Chris Newsom.
More at link:
http://www.wbir.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=111822
Defendant in Christian and Newsom murders is back in court
The first month of 2010 is almost finished, and Vanessa Coleman is now one month closer to facing a judge and jury for the murders of Channon Christian and Chris Newsom.
On Friday, Coleman was in court for a motions hearing, as Judge Richard Baumgartner tries to get a status on how the case is progressing.
She is scheduled to go to trial on May 10th.
Much more at link:
http://www.wbir.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=112137
George Thomas conviction: Prosecutors respond to motion for acquittal in murders of Christian and Newsom
On December 11, a Chattonooga jury sentenced Thomas to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the kidnappings, rapes, and murders of Channon Christian and Chris Newsom.
However, during his high profile trial, Thomas' defense attorneys filed a 24-page motion to acquit their client.
Judge Richard Baumgartner did not rule on the motion during the trial, but instead asked the prosecution to submit its response in writing as well.
Baumgartner told the court, Thomas' request for acquittal was compelling and well written. Thomas Dillard and Stephen Johnson wrote the motion.
The judge said he wanted the state's response in writing as a record for appellate courts that may review the Thomas case in the future.
The prosecution has now filed that response.
On Monday, Thomas' attorneys also asked for a new trial for Thomas.
Judge Baumgartner has not ruled on Thomas' request for acquittal or his request for a new trial.
http://www.wbir.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=110743
Convicted killer George Thomas being moved to maximum security prison
A convicted killer, first placed in a medium security prison, has now been moved to a maximum security facility. But why he was in a medium security prison at all is prompting a victim's parents to call for changes to the law.
Gary and Deena Christian, parents of murder victim Channon Christian, are working with legislators to draft and propose new bills to the house.
Channon's Law would dictate that anyone convicted for a heinous crime such as rape or murder would be automatically sent to a maximum security prison.
Chris' Law would allow for the prosecution of lawyers who slander victims. That law's name refers to Christian's boyfriend and fellow murder victim, Chris Newsom.
More at link:
http://www.wbir.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=111822
Defendant in Christian and Newsom murders is back in court
The first month of 2010 is almost finished, and Vanessa Coleman is now one month closer to facing a judge and jury for the murders of Channon Christian and Chris Newsom.
On Friday, Coleman was in court for a motions hearing, as Judge Richard Baumgartner tries to get a status on how the case is progressing.
She is scheduled to go to trial on May 10th.
Much more at link:
http://www.wbir.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=112137
SuziQ
Former Member
- Joined
- Jun 6, 2007
- Messages
- 39,600
- Reaction score
- 52,016
In a court hearing Friday, Judge Richard Baumgartner agreed to more DNA testing to be included in Vanessa Coleman's trial for the Christian-Newsom murders.
More at link:
http://www.wate.com/Global/story.asp?S=11902151
More at link:
http://www.wate.com/Global/story.asp?S=11902151
Indianagirl
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Jul 14, 2008
- Messages
- 1,262
- Reaction score
- 61
George Thomas motion for acquittal denied
A Kentucky man, convicted of the murders of Channon Christian and Chris Newsom, will not have his conviction tossed out by the judge who oversaw the case.
Tuesday, Judge Richard Baumgartner denied George Thomas' motion for acquittal.
When Thomas' defense first made the motion to acquit, Baumgartner asked for that filing to be detailed in writing, then asked for the defense to file a response in writing. Baumgartner had indicated he wanted those matters to be on the record for any appellate court.
Now, Baumgartner has ruled against the motion to acquit, saying the state's presentment of the legal sufficiency of the evidence was well presented.
More at link:
http://www.wbir.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=112831
A Kentucky man, convicted of the murders of Channon Christian and Chris Newsom, will not have his conviction tossed out by the judge who oversaw the case.
Tuesday, Judge Richard Baumgartner denied George Thomas' motion for acquittal.
When Thomas' defense first made the motion to acquit, Baumgartner asked for that filing to be detailed in writing, then asked for the defense to file a response in writing. Baumgartner had indicated he wanted those matters to be on the record for any appellate court.
Now, Baumgartner has ruled against the motion to acquit, saying the state's presentment of the legal sufficiency of the evidence was well presented.
More at link:
http://www.wbir.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=112831
shotzie
shotzie
Just found this about cobbins"
http://www.wbir.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=114120&catid=2
he is getting a extra 100 yrs..YEH..wish it was the death penalty
http://www.wbir.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=114120&catid=2
he is getting a extra 100 yrs..YEH..wish it was the death penalty
steelergirl
New Member
- Joined
- Oct 31, 2008
- Messages
- 410
- Reaction score
- 2
Thanks for the article and update Shotzie...just to bounce off of your post, I found the part with Mr. Newsome asking Cobbins to implicate Boyd pretty interesting. I found another article that went into a little more detail:
"But Chris' father, Hugh Newsom, unexpectedly presented Cobbins with an opportunity.
"All you have to do is tell the truth," Newsom said.
Newsom urged Cobbins to testify against Eric Boyd.
Boyd is currently serving time in federal prison after he was convicted as an accessory after the fact in 2008.
However, Cobbins said during his own trial Boyd was a more actively involved in the killings, something authorities haven't been able to charge.
"We need to put Eric Boyd away for life also because he played a major role in this crime spree," Newsom told Volunteer TV.
In exchange for the help Newsom told Cobbins he'd ask the media to give Cobbins the chance to "become a hero in being a spokesperson for the children" who grow up in similar environments.
"Telling kids....crime isn't the answer. Go to school and get a good education. You can do that," Newsom said.
"We got a deal," he asked Cobbins.
Cobbins didn't verbally respond in court."
Cobbins is still a coward, and that will never change. But at least now it's guaranteed that he isn't going anywhere for a long time.
article: http://www.volunteertv.com/home/headlines/85365557.html
"But Chris' father, Hugh Newsom, unexpectedly presented Cobbins with an opportunity.
"All you have to do is tell the truth," Newsom said.
Newsom urged Cobbins to testify against Eric Boyd.
Boyd is currently serving time in federal prison after he was convicted as an accessory after the fact in 2008.
However, Cobbins said during his own trial Boyd was a more actively involved in the killings, something authorities haven't been able to charge.
"We need to put Eric Boyd away for life also because he played a major role in this crime spree," Newsom told Volunteer TV.
In exchange for the help Newsom told Cobbins he'd ask the media to give Cobbins the chance to "become a hero in being a spokesperson for the children" who grow up in similar environments.
"Telling kids....crime isn't the answer. Go to school and get a good education. You can do that," Newsom said.
"We got a deal," he asked Cobbins.
Cobbins didn't verbally respond in court."
Cobbins is still a coward, and that will never change. But at least now it's guaranteed that he isn't going anywhere for a long time.
article: http://www.volunteertv.com/home/headlines/85365557.html
Did Vanessa Coleman keep a journal of the Christian-Newsom torture-murder (http://sprocket-trials.blogspot.com/2010/03/did-she-keep-journal-of-christian.html)?
lonetraveler
On Time Out
- Joined
- Jul 8, 2008
- Messages
- 17,684
- Reaction score
- 46,592
Thanks so much for the new information on Cobbins. I am so glad to hear that he is receiving a lot of very much needed personal attention in prison. Made my day. :dance:
Houndacres
Owned by a bloodhound!
- Joined
- Dec 16, 2008
- Messages
- 261
- Reaction score
- 0
I have the same question as the comment left at the link. If there was a journal, why wasn't it used at the other trials? Did the pros just find out about the journal? Would her journal even be considered credible evidence? My heart really breaks for the families if they have to listen to every word she wrote...grrrr! One one hand, I would want to know. But, it might also be something that would haunt me for life, worse than what they are already having to live with?
Muffet
Autocorrect is my worst enema
- Joined
- Jun 9, 2009
- Messages
- 4,053
- Reaction score
- 8
Good questions, HA.
Regarding whether or not they could have used her journal in the others; trials, my understanding is that they couldn't use any of their statements like that, because of something about co-defendants' statements being inadmissible...:waitasec:
Regarding the story...
"I've read it, and it certainly seems to be relevant to this incident," Baumgartner said."
Wow. Thanks, William!
This is my opinion as well. Coleman would have to take the stand and be open to cross-examination for the journal to be used in the trials of the other defendants.
steelergirl
New Member
- Joined
- Oct 31, 2008
- Messages
- 410
- Reaction score
- 2
Wow. Like you guys said, I wanna know but I don't wanna know. I only pray that it contains info that will bring Boyd down...hard.
BTW...hi everyone!! :wave:
SuziQ
Former Member
- Joined
- Jun 6, 2007
- Messages
- 39,600
- Reaction score
- 52,016
Thanks for the updates! I love this judge. He sure doesn't pussyfoot around.
http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2010/mar/04/judge-stacks-prison-sentences-thomas-torture-slayi/
"I'm of the opinion Mr. Thomas along with Mr. Cobbins and Mr. Davidson are dangerous offenders who had no hesitation, absolutelyy none, when these two young people were raped and killed."
Judge Richard Baumgartner
http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2010/mar/04/torture-slaying-suspect-may-have-kept-journal/
At a motions hearing Thursday, defense attorney Ted Lavit sought to bar prosecutors from using the journal.
"The state has the burden to prove it's hers," he said.
Baumgartner responded by brandishing a photograph of the journal in a purse prosecutors say belonged to Coleman.
"You mean the photograph of her purse with the journal in it?" Baumgartner told Lavit, a note of sarcasm in his voice.
http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2010/mar/04/judge-stacks-prison-sentences-thomas-torture-slayi/
"I'm of the opinion Mr. Thomas along with Mr. Cobbins and Mr. Davidson are dangerous offenders who had no hesitation, absolutelyy none, when these two young people were raped and killed."
Judge Richard Baumgartner
http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2010/mar/04/torture-slaying-suspect-may-have-kept-journal/
At a motions hearing Thursday, defense attorney Ted Lavit sought to bar prosecutors from using the journal.
"The state has the burden to prove it's hers," he said.
Baumgartner responded by brandishing a photograph of the journal in a purse prosecutors say belonged to Coleman.
"You mean the photograph of her purse with the journal in it?" Baumgartner told Lavit, a note of sarcasm in his voice.
PrairieWind
Verified Attorney
- Joined
- Oct 22, 2009
- Messages
- 6,699
- Reaction score
- 45,539
The journal could not have been used in the previous trials because it is "heresay" and as such, not admissible under court rules. However, it can be admitted in Vannessa's own trial since hearsay IS admissilbe if its made by the party on trial. Thats why the recorded statements of each defendant were used against them, but you didnt get to have slim's statement used against Cobbins or vice versa.
It will be very interesting to learn what this journal says.
PrairieWind
Verified Attorney
- Joined
- Oct 22, 2009
- Messages
- 6,699
- Reaction score
- 45,539
I always had thought that Vanessa represented the best chance for us to know what really happened in the house that weekend. Certainly the statements given by all the defendants, Vanessa's included, have shed some light, but there are gaping holes in their time-lines, and clearly conflicting testimony. And none of them would really say ANYTHING about Chris. I thought Coleman was the least involved (I imagine she was not a part of the original car-jack) and thus had the most to gain by cooperating with police. However, I have come to feel that she was likely more involved than I had originaly thought. Clearly she actively participated in the act of holding Channon captive. Clearly she held Channon in the bathroom when Daphne stopped by on Sunday. But I have also come to believe that Vanessa could have also been responsible for some of the injuries to Channon. Some of the trauma to her body would indicate, to me, real hatred and emotion. And that sounds more like a woman angry that her bf had had sex with her. But that is just my speculation. But it would explain why she didnt do more to fill in the blanks for police. If she had cooperated more, one or all of the other defendants would have testified against her.
SuziQ
Former Member
- Joined
- Jun 6, 2007
- Messages
- 39,600
- Reaction score
- 52,016
Hearing held on Coleman's statement
Defense wants tape tossed because of delay in recording it
http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2010/mar/26/hearing-held-on-colemans-statement/
Defense wants tape tossed because of delay in recording it
http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2010/mar/26/hearing-held-on-colemans-statement/
- Status