Things Get Nutty At Man's "MALICIOUS CASTRATION" Trial

[matcom]

<snip>

DURHAM -- A rare "malicious castration" trial got off to a shaky start Tuesday when it was revealed that the victim's house had been shot up the night before.

Then the suspect, 25-year-old Robert Duran Johnson, fled the courthouse after an afternoon break in the state's presentation of its case, police said.

Judge Wade Barber ordered that Johnson be tracked down and held without bond when caught. Before his disappearance, Johnson had been free on bond.

Later Tuesday, Durham CrimeStoppers issued a news release seeking information on his whereabouts. The release described Johnson as a black male about 6 feet tall and 170 pounds, and said he is considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information about Johnson is asked to call 911 immediately. CrimeStoppers is offering a cash reward for information leading to his arrest.

Extra deputies ringed the courtroom Tuesday in which Johnson was on trial for kidnapping another man, beating him and shooting off his penis in what was portrayed as a gang-related altercation on Easter Sunday 2003.

http://www.herald-sun.com/durham/4-500536.html

[Elidor]

1. It begs the question:

Is there "benign castration?"