I am extremely concerned that Klansman Killen may get away with murder

[Maddy McCall]

I am concerned that the families of Goodman, Schwerner, and Chaney may never see justice. And, to a lesser degree, I am concerned that my state's already sad image will suffer more.

If the jury fails to convict, I am sure that many people here will say, "Mississippi as usual," but, according to a Mississippi DUer/journalist who is blogging (www.neshoblog.com) from the trial:

The prosecution rested its case in somewhat unimpressive fashion on Saturday, finishing up with the mother of slain civil rights worker James Chaney. Fannie Lee Chaney's testimony was a procedural necessity (the prosecution needed to prove Chaney was among the murdered trio), but it was a pretty unspectacular finish to the state's case.

There was no exclamation point (i.e. Billy Wayne Posey). There was no string of witnesses who heard Edgar Ray Killen bragging about orchestrating the plot. There was no physical evidence. There were no live eyewitnesses to the crimes.

In short, it may not be enough.

In a way, the state's case reminded me of a John Grisham novel -- a great, well thought-out build-up, which was followed by a stunningly abrupt (not to mention disappointing) ending.

The prosecution's case is far from a slam dunk. The testimony, though great in spots, was not overwhelming as a whole.

And, evidently, the Attorney General Jim Hood knows that his case was lacking, because the AP is reporting that he is considering reducing the charge against Killen:

Attorney General Jim Hood told reporters after court recessed that prosecutors would ask the judge to allow the jury to consider a lesser charge of manslaughter in the case. Killen is charged with three counts of murder, which could lead to a life sentence. A manslaughter conviction would carry a maximum of 20 years.

Defense attorneys had no immediate comment.

I have to admit, when you see a photo of the guy, you almost want to pity him. Maybe it's just my southern upbringing that tells me to always respect my elders. He's eighty years old and supposedly wheelchair-bound. But, when you look back 40 years at the heinous crimes he orchestrated, the snuffing out of three brilliant young men's lives, the lost potential in their humanity, you realize that he's a bastard who deserves the worst kind of punishment the state can dole out.

I hope the jurors convict him. I hope that the evidence that they have seen and heard is damning enough to find him guilty. It's right for the victims' families. It's right for the state. I just wish that the AG would have presented a stronger case.

Incidentally, as mentioned on www.neshoblog.com, because the case will probably go to the jury on Monday, it's highly likely that the verdict could come in on Tuesday.

Tuesday is the 41st anniversary of the murders.

[merh]

1. My god, they rested already?

I haven't read the papers today.

This scares the hell out of me too :scared:

What on earth?

[Maddy McCall]

3. Prosecution has rested its case. Defense begins Monday.

I'm driving up Sunday night to be there Monday morning.

[merh]

5. I can understand your wanting to be a part of history.

Will the defense even put on a case? It doesn't sound like the state put on much of one. :freak:

Let us know and have a safe drive.

[Maddy McCall]

6. From what I understand, defense will only call two witnesses.

Expected to take less than half a day.

Yeah, I'd like to see that bastard testify. I hope he's planning to do so.

[merh]

7. I don't know if he will have to.

:scared: Did the state even put on much more proof the grieving relatives and old transcripts?

[babylonsister]

2. Did you go to the trial, Maddy? I remember your

post from a couple of days ago.
And I hope he spends the rest of his days rotting in jail, old or not, so these men will finally get the justice they've been denied.

[Maddy McCall]

4. Hope to go on Monday.

I hope to be there Monday. I'm betting that Killen, the cocky motherfucker that he is, will take the stand on Monday.