"I don't think racism is rampant in the legal system,"

[The Straight Story]

Black leaders protest innocent verdict in Stillwater murder case
By TIM TALLEY
Associated Press Writer

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Black leaders joined members of a slain Stillwater man's family Friday to criticize a Payne County jury's decision to find a 65-year-old white man innocent of first-degree murder in the death of the 33-year-old black man.

Last month's acquittal of John Gilbert Buntin for the death of Darren Keith Brannon has outraged members of the black community, who believe that racism slants the state's legal system, Rep. Opio Toure, D-Oklahoma City, said.

"The jury should have found this man guilty of murder," Toure said as Brannon's family members stood nearby wearing T-shirts that bore an image of Brannon and the words "Walking for Justice _ Not Guilty Verdict Wrong." The group plans a protest march in Stillwater on Feb. 18.

Toure said there was ample evidence in the case to convict Buntin, Brannon's former landlord who was accused of shooting him while trying to collect $350 in back rent. Brannon was shot in the chest with a rifle in his front yard on Sept. 5, 2003.

"I don't think racism is rampant in the legal system," Henry said.

http://www.cushingdaily.com/local/local_story_031152829.html