The State could have asked for up to twenty years on this Measure 11 crime but did not and settled for the mandatory minimum sentence of ten years, $1,738 in restitution and will be on probation for three years once his sentence is served. Will update with details of the proceedings later this afternoon
Read MoreMany comments criticize the jury for their finding without hard physical evidence but, in fact, they acted “boldly” as Frasier implored them to during his closing argument. Objections to this verdict would seem to imply that many people believe that as long as any killer is clever or adept at covering their tracks they can walk away even if there is a preponderance of circumstantial evidence to conclude their guilt.
Read MoreOfficers Ray McNeely and Chris Webley as well as the rest of CPD have done an excellent job and have provided proof that with the right leadership and guidance they are all worthy to be called ‘crime fighters’ not just ‘traffic nazis‘.
Read MoreIn a ten to two vote the jury found Nicholas McGuffin guilty of the lesser charge of manslaughter in the 2000 death of Leah Freeman. McGuffin is reported to have leapt several inches above his chair.
Read MoreAll in all, both sides are relying on circumstantial evidence to make their case, the defense just as much as the prosecution. As I have said before, I would not want to be a juror in this trial.
Read MoreShortly after 3PM today, the jury, which is now comprised of nine women and three men was instructed to first consider the greater charge of murder which will require all twelve jurors to reach an unanimous decision in order to convict. If a unanimous decision cannot be reached, only then may the jury consider the lesser of charge of manslaughter in the first degree, requiring ten or more jurors to reach an agreement.
Read MoreHe pointed out that McGuffin was aware of details of an argument at the Mitchell house between the hours of 7 and 9 PM that he could only have learned from the victim. McGuffin maintains he never saw Freeman again after 7 PM.
Read MoreThe most striking change has been in the defendant, Nick McGuffin. Gone are the relaxed and easy smiles and confident demeanor he exhibited when first the trial began. In the last few days he seems noticeably more agitated, he swallows frequently, his breathing is marked by deep breaths and audible exhalations and I am not surprised by word that he will not testify on his own behalf,
Read MoreThe judge sent the jury home today while defense conferred with their client about whether he should testify on the stand. My understanding is that he will present a written statement in his defense but will not take the stand and be subject to cross examination.
Read MoreWhen defense had finished with the witness, DA Paul Frasier, on redirect, asked Walker if any trace evidence or DNA from anyone was found on the clothing of Leah Freeman? “No”, she answered. “After such a long time, that is not unusual”.
Read MoreThis morning the prosecution has gotten into the more gory details of the crime. Forensic scientist, Kathy Wilcox has described the vehicle processing as well as the blood spatter on the shoes, and the jury have seen pictures of Leah’s clothing. Leah’s body had been laying in the summer heat for weeks and her body had “melted” into her clothes, Wilcox explained.
Read MoreToday, marked a distinct change in how the defense questioned prosecution witnesses as the testimony began to getter closer to the crux of Nicholas McGuffin’s guilt or innocence. A parade of witnesses today included former Coquille police chief, Mike Reaves, and former CPD officers Dave Hall and Randy Ulmer.
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