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Two Trials Still Not an Option for Sheley
A motion filed earlier in the week and denied, was filed again and denied, in the case of accused spree killer Nicholas Sheley.

Prior to opening statements and testimony, Knox County Circuit Court Judge James Stewart Friday denied for the second time a defense motion for what is termed a bifurcated trial.

Essentially, one trial would have determined whether or not 65-year old Ronald Randall was killed by Sheley, and another, if found guilty, would determine if the crime was brutal enough to justify an enhanced sentence of natural life in prison, since the death penalty is no longer in effect.

Sheley, however, did waive his right to a jury making that second finding, which means that Judge James Stewart will have to at some point prior to sentencing.

The judge also ruled that a number of photos the prosecution had wanted to use as part of a Power Point presentation during opening statement couldn't be, couldn't be.

In short, prosecutors ended up being allowed to use a small number of the photos, and used their statement to say that the trail of evidence leads to Sheley. Defense attorney Jeremy Karlin, meanwhile, said if jurors do their jobs and put aside everything they've so far heard or read about the case, they'll find Sheley not guilty.

Testimony in the case resumes Monday at 9am.


(Nicholas Sheley. File Photo.)
09 10 11 by Newsroom
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