A note on the Texas Forensic Science Commission

The Texas Forensic Science Commission was created by House Bill 1068 (passed during the 2005 Legislative Session); its purpose is to investigate complaints that allege professional negligence or misconduct by a laboratory, facility, or entity that has been accredited by the Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety that would substantially affect the integrity of the results of a forensic analysis.

Gordon v. State – 6th COA

It was an abuse of discretion for the trial court to require the inmate to testify in prison attire and shackles solely because the court did not want to interfere with the sheriff’s policy. However, because of the strong evidence against the defendant, the witness’s appearance in jail clothing did not contribute to the defendant’s conviction or punishment. Gordon v. State, 06-07-00167-CR

8-Year-Old Testifies, Puts Kelly At Club

Posted on Friday, August 08, 2008

By CASEY KNAUPP
Tyler Morning Telegraph Staff Writer

An 8-year-old girl - the youngest of three siblings who were sexually exploited in the "Mineola Swingers' Club case - testified Thursday that Patrick "Booger Red" Kelly did "bad" and "nasty" things to her at the club.

Burial scene described in Mangum trial




 

Published August 8, 2008

Abilenian gets 20 years for manslaughter

By Daralyn Schoenewald
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Abilene Reporter News

With a loud knock on a Taylor County Courthouse door Thursday, an Abilene man's fate was sealed. The verdict was in.

With no less ceremony than that simple knock, a jury sentenced Jessie Earl "Buddy" Griffith, 60, to 20 years in prison for running over Brenda Sue Eldridge, 46, last December. The jury returned the sentencing verdict exactly three hours after beginning deliberations.

Repeat DWI offender gets life

Jessica Langdon
Wichita Times Record News
Friday, August 8, 2008

A Wichita County jury sent a strong message to people who drive drunk. They sent a repeat offender to prison — for life.

On the same day the jurors found a 58-year-old man guilty of driving while intoxicated-repetition, they agreed he pay the maximum penalty for the felony offense.

The jury in 89th District Court found Kenneth Chris Oneal guilty Thursday in connection with the Oct. 5 incident.

Church pastor convicted of child sexual assault

Published: August 07, 2008 09:31 am

Jury hands down 20-year prison term as man faces two other sex offenses.

By Lacie Morrison
Mineral Wells Index

PALO PINTO – A former pastor was found guilty Tuesday afternoon and sentenced to 20 years confinement for inappropriately touching a 14-year-old member of his congregation.

Man executed for 1991 robbery, murder in Arlington

Published: August 07, 2008 10:12 pm

By Kristin Edwards
Huntsville Item Staff Reporter

A man convicted of the 1991 aggravated robbery and murder of an Arlington store manager was executed Thursday at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Walls Unit.

Heliberto Chi, 29, was pronounced dead at 6:25 p.m., less than three hours after the Supreme Court denied his final appeal in a 9-0 vote.

Foster Dad Pleads Fifth; D.A. Pushes For Release

Posted on Friday, August 08, 2008

By CASEY KNAUPP
Tyler Morning Telegraph Staff Writer

Before a Smith County jury in the courtroom for the third day of Patrick "Booger Red" Kelly's trial Thursday, the foster dad of three children he is accused of sexual abusing asserted his Fifth Amendment right to not testify.

Woman sentenced attempted capital murder of police officer

Fort Bend Sun News

Published: 08.06.08
A local woman was sentenced to two concurrent life sentences for her role in an attempted capital murder of a peace officer and aggravated robbery.

Tamina Hamid, the defendent in the case, also was sentenced to a maximum fine of $10,000 for each crime.