Thursday, December 30, 2010
New Judge Sought In Huntington Mall Rapes Trial
WEST VIRGINIA....
John Laishley, attorney for Donald Eugene Good, the man charged for the 1987 Huntington Mall rapes, has filed a motion in Cabell County Circuit Court to recuse Judge Dan O'Hanlon from the case, citing concerns over his client receiving a fair trial. The state Supreme Court of Appeals had appointed O'Hanlon to preside over Good's trial. Good faces a 22-count indictment charging him with multiple counts of kidnapping, aggravated robbery, first-degree sexual assault, second-degree sexual assault and first-degree sexual abuse. Laishley says his client is entitled to a fair trial and he isn't certain that would be capable under O'Hanlon. In 1987, O'Hanlon sentenced Glen Dale Woodall to two life without mercy sentences plus 335 years for the crimes, but DNA evidence freed him five years later. O'Hanlon is now required to transmit a copy of the motion, together with a letter stating his response to the motion, to the Chief Justice of the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals. Upon receipt, Chief Justice Robin Jean Davis is required to enter an order within 14 days providing for the judge to either remain on the case or be removed. If O'Hanlon is removed, Davis would appoint another judge to hear the matter.
John Laishley, attorney for Donald Eugene Good, the man charged for the 1987 Huntington Mall rapes, has filed a motion in Cabell County Circuit Court to recuse Judge Dan O'Hanlon from the case, citing concerns over his client receiving a fair trial. The state Supreme Court of Appeals had appointed O'Hanlon to preside over Good's trial. Good faces a 22-count indictment charging him with multiple counts of kidnapping, aggravated robbery, first-degree sexual assault, second-degree sexual assault and first-degree sexual abuse. Laishley says his client is entitled to a fair trial and he isn't certain that would be capable under O'Hanlon. In 1987, O'Hanlon sentenced Glen Dale Woodall to two life without mercy sentences plus 335 years for the crimes, but DNA evidence freed him five years later. O'Hanlon is now required to transmit a copy of the motion, together with a letter stating his response to the motion, to the Chief Justice of the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals. Upon receipt, Chief Justice Robin Jean Davis is required to enter an order within 14 days providing for the judge to either remain on the case or be removed. If O'Hanlon is removed, Davis would appoint another judge to hear the matter.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 11:00 PM 
