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Raleigh County, WV

Dec 7, 2007

Defense Rests in Murder Trial

A Raleigh County jury should hear the case of 42-year-old Michael Martin Thursday afternoon. via WVNS-TV Ghent

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Ookie
Monroe, NC
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#1
Dec 7, 2007
 
I find it hard to believe that a jury can send a man to jail for life, convicted of first degree murder, when he didn't know the other guy was armed and had no plan to kill the cop when he didn't have a gun or fire a shot.

If he had been convicted of being an accessory to second degree murder that would have just and fair. That's what he did.

I just don't understand why a cop's life is valued more than anyone else's. We're all human and should have equal status under the law.
taxpayer
Beckley, WV
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#2
Dec 9, 2007
 
for starters...the jury had to go by the instructions given to them by the judge. Count 1 of the indictment stated that if an individual was committing a felonious act and a killing resulted from the act...then it is considered Felony Murder. Martin confessed on tape that he was in conspiracy with the other individual involved. His own words did him in. This law in WV, I agree is archaic...however, the jury swore to come to a verdict based up0n the evidence ...
taxpayer
Beckley, WV
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#3
Dec 9, 2007
 
The conspiracy was involving crack cocaine...Felony offense. A murder occurred because of the felony conspiracey...hence, Felony Murder. Also, no defense given by his lawyer. By the way...The officer's life wasn't value more than anyone elses. His life was taken from him by individuals who have no regard for other people's rights, lives led, or community involvement by the victim. The victim led a stellar life, not one of burglaries, drug convictions, criminal involvement, etc. Well, on second thought...I do value the officer's life more than the crackhead. Officer Smith is a hero...in life...and in death.
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