Capital Trial Update 9-17-10

In McDowell County, three jurors have been seated for the trial of Stephen Monroe Buckner.

In Catawba County, testimony is continuing in the trial of Edwardo Wong.  (The trial was moved  from Haywood County.)

In Cumberland County, the jury is deliberating on the question of whether Dexter Tremaine McRae is guilty or not guilty of the rape and murder of his estranged wife.

Marine Pleads Guilty, Avoids Death Penalty

John Wimunc has pleaded guilty to the 2008 murder of his wife.  The victim’s body was found burned and buried in a shallow grave with the legs severed and a hatchet stuck in her back.  Wimunc pleaded guilty to avoid the death penalty.  He will serve life without the possibility of parole.

Holley Wimunc, an Army nurse, was one of three female soldiers murdered by her romantic partner in the summer of 2008.  She was in the process of divorcing her husband at the time of her death.

Buckner Trial Starts in McDowell County

In Marion, Stephen Buckner is facing trial for a 2008 triple homicide.  On the first day in court, Buckner stated that he had been having ongoing problems with his attorneys and asked the court to appoint new counsel.  The judge denied Buckner’s request.  Jury selection is expected to continue today.  If convicted, Buckner will either be sentenced to death or to life without the possibility of parole.

Life for Ramseur

An Iredell County jury has sentenced Travis Ramseur to life without the possibility of parole for two 2004 murders.

Previous reporting here, here, and here.

Travis Ramseur Found Guilty

In Statesville, the sentencing phase of Travis Ramseur’s trial has begun after a jury found him guilty of killing Angelo Stockton and Timothy Cook in 2004.  Once the evidence has concluded, jurors will decide what sentence Ramseur should receive – the death penalty or life without the possibility of parole.

Judge Pushes Wong Trial Forward

When even the prosecutor thinks the judge might have violated the defendant’s rights, you know you’re in trouble.

Both the defense and the prosecution asked Judge Nathaniel Poovey to delay opening statements in the trial of Edwardo Wong while the state Supreme Court considers Wong’s motion for a stay.  The motion has to do with an ongoing conflict between Wong and his attorneys, as well as recent allegations that the judge gave the defendant legal advice in a private meeting outside the presence of counsel.

It makes sense to wait for the Supreme Court’s ruling because if the trial gets started and then the Court rules in Wong’s favor, it may be necessary to start the whole thing over – including the lengthy jury selection process.  It is hard to understand why the judge can’t wait a few more days, given the tremendous waste of time and money that might otherwise occur.  If nothing else, there is no reason to make the families on both sides endure this process twice.

Executions – September 2010

9 – Holly Wood (AL)

10 – Cal Brown (WA)

14 – Anthony Dick (PA – stay likely)

15 – Kevin Keith (OH)

16 – Gregory Wilson (KY)

23 – Teresa Lewis (VA)

28 – Gaile Owens (TN – commuted)

29 – Albert Brown (CA – injunction in place)