AL - Karen Shahan, 53, murdered, Homewood, 23 July 2013 #2

[CountryGirl]

I'm just now checking on this case. Unreal!! WTH?

 

[Niner]

Trying to find a hearing or trial date on this, so went back to see "what happened"! And "why" it has taken so long.... :waiting: and was I hwow: at the end....


from August 19, 2015 article
http://www.wbrc.com/story/29833940/...or-former-al-pastor-charged-with-wifes-murder

Wednesday’s hearing lasted just over an hour. The defense had a total of 10 motions they presented to the judge.
Richard Shahan was present for this hearing in which his attorneys made several requests. They asked Judge Laura Petro to allow them, along with Shanan, to go back to the home where Karen Shanhan was killed in July 2013.
The main purpose would be to make sure photos and measurements taken from the crime were accurate.
The judge said both the defense and state prosecutors will have to ask the church that owns the home, First Baptist Church of Birmingham, for permission to go back inside. Neither side knew if anyone else was living in the home.
Petro said if the defense gets permission to go inside the house, she would allow Richard Shahan to go there with his attorneys. He is currently being held under house arrest at his mother's home.
There was a motion to know who the state's experts would be. Judge Petro gave the state until Nov. 6 to give the defense a list of their expert witnesses.
[.....]
Shahan's attorneys also made a motion for a jury questionnaire, due to the publicity of the case. Judge Petro said she hadn't made up her mind but said a questionnaire may be helpful during the jury selection process.
There were two motions that were addressed in the privacy of the judge's chambers, so it’s unknown what those were pertaining to.
[.....]
Another motion that was previously filed in this case was to preserve all evidence.
On Wednesday, defense attorneys brought up an issue about two DNA samples, containing sperm, taken from Karen Shahan's body.
They asked the state if those samples exist anymore, to which prosecutors could not give a definitive answer.
Defense attorneys are anxiously awaiting word back on that issue, as it could be big to their case.

Okay - then came to an article that i.b.nora posted that mentions a trial date scheduled in April, 2016.

August 30, 2015 at 11:27 AM, updated August 30, 2015 at 11:58 AM
http://www.al.com/news/birmingham/in...ailable_f.html

article from post #566 by FromGermany

His trial is set for April 18, 2016.

and then we have Stiles post #576

ABC/3340 reports Richard Shahan murder trial delayed until January 9, 2017.

Oops -
from PatEl post #585

Trial is postponed until May of 2017.
http://www.al.com/news/birmingham/in...art_river_home

What a shame that Karen was sentenced to die without a trial but defendant can put off his fate for months at a time.

Make that put off his fate for YEARS!!! :gaah:

and then I came to this - shows you how long ago I've read this thread....

Although, per link --
"The Attorney General's Office filed a motion today in Jefferson County Circuit Court to nolle prosequi the murder charge, which means the prosecution will not pursue the case. Because the charges were dropped without prejudice, Shahan can be recharged at a later date if new evidence implicating him is discovered." bbm

:facepalm:

Yes, very UNREAL case CountryGirl! Like you said WTH??!!

 

[seattlechiquita]

What. The. Fk.

 

[meanmaryjean]

He probably IS overseas and living it up. Makes me sick.

 

[SCHMAE]

I do not know for sure but judging but the description of tonight's ID Channel " American Monster'' episode entitled " take me to the river'', I am thinking it may be about this case.
Stay tuned.

Ugh, just saw the posts above. I did NOT know charges were dropped
So the ID show will not be about this case or he could sue them.

 

[Jewels53]

I wish they could find enough evidence to charge whom ever murdered Karen. If it was Richard then charge him already! jmo

 

[EllaMae]

I do not know for sure but judging but the description of tonight's ID Channel " American Monster'' episode entitled " take me to the river'', I am thinking it may be about this case.
Stay tuned.

Ugh, just saw the posts above. I did NOT know charges were dropped
So the ID show will not be about this case or he could sue them.

I don't know if that particular show is about this case.....but anyone in the media could write, produce and film a show about this case and Shahan's arrest. Any factual information that has been in the public domain is fair game. He can't sue anyone for reporting on the facts and evidence of the case in a television show.

 

[Kensie]

How did he get off??? Is he living it up with his boyfriend??

 

[Jewels53]

A former Homewood pastor, charged with murder in the 2013 death of his wife, will no longer be prosecuted.

According to the Alabama Attorney General's office, there is not enough evidence to prosecute Richard Shahan in his wife Karen's slaying.

The Attorney General's Office filed a motion today in Jefferson County Circuit Court to nolle prosequi the murder charge, which means the prosecution will not pursue the case. Because the charges were dropped without prejudice, Shahan can be recharged at a later date if new evidence implicating him is discovered.

Homewood minister charged with wife's murder will not be prosecuted, AG announces

This was in April of 2017

 

[meanmaryjean]

Ten years and no justice.