Seesaw proceedings in Worcester hit-and-run death case.

 
         (Gavin Knupp)

(WBOC)

BERLIN, MD - Tyler Mailloux has appealed to Maryland’s highest court to reverse a previous court decision to return his trial in the hit-and-run death of Gavin Knupp to Circuit Court.

(View news story:)

Tyler Mailloux Appeals to Maryland Supreme Court in Gavin Knupp Case | Latest News | wboc.com

Harmon Murder Trial Will Be Rescheduled

CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL -- A Worcester County Circuit Court Judge postponed the trial of murder suspect Skylor Dupree Harmon at the request of the defense.

Judge Thomas Groton granted the postponement request from defense attorney Denise Fried. The trial, which had been set for May 9-12, will be rescheduled.

"With the trial on Monday, with him facing the rest of his life in jail, we need time to prepare," Fried said.

Harmon faces first-degree murder charges from his alleged role in the May 2010 death of Virginia resident Reginald Jerome Handy Jr.

Alexander Crippen, 36, was originally charged with the crime, but the charges were dropped, and he was later convicted of trying to kill a different man. At the time, prosecutors said the forensic evidence that cleared Crippen of murder charges in Handy's death was also helpful in identifying Harmon as the suspect.

Fried told the judge she needed time to go through the transcripts from Crippen's case to study testimony of witnesses who might be testifying against Harmon. She also wants to transcribe the audio tapes associated with the case and to give Harmon the chance to listen to them.

Harmon was identified as the primary suspect in Handy's death in December. According to court documents, the night Handy was shot at 503 Laurel St. in Pocomoke City, a witness saw a flash of a gun go off beside 500 Young St., which parallels Laurel Street. A witness told police that immediately afterward, he saw Harmon near the flash. Police later found a .223 Bushmaster assault rifle between 500 and 502 Young St., which was determined to be the weapon used to killed Handy, according to court documents.

Fried said the postponement would also give her time to consult an expert regarding the bullet that killed Handy. She said the bullet could not necessarily be traced to the gun found at the scene.

In separate court cases, Harmon was also charged with resisting arrest, failure to obey law enforcement, possession of a controlled dangerous substance, disorderly conduct, making a false statement to a police officer, malicious destruction of property and obstructing and hindering.

Source; http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20110504/NEWS01/105040382/Harmon-murder-trial-rescheduled?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|frontpage|p

Jury Deliberates For Over An Hour Before Verdict Is Given

SNOW HILL -- A jury of Sherrick Martel Handy's peers deliberated for slightly more than an hour Thursday before rendering a not guilty verdict on all charges.

Handy had been charged with first- and second-degree rape, first- and third-degree burglary, second-degree assault and false imprisonment in the alleged attack of his former fiancee during June of last year.

Testimony in the two-day trial concluded Wednesday, with closing statements being delivered to the jury Thursday morning.

Assistant State's Attorney Diane Cuilhe urged jurors to look at the consistency of the victim's statement and the fact the defendant denied he had been at her apartment at the time of the attack to police when first questioned. DNA evidence, she said, later forced him to admit his presence.

Cuilhe also pointed to inaccuracies in Handy's testimony and reason for being at the victim's house at an odd hour.

"Why did he find it appropriate to call her up and have a chat at 4 in the morning?" Cuilhe said. "The mere fact he was crouching next to the door and hiding shows he was there for nefarious purposes."

Handy's defense lawyer, David Resnick, picked apart the state's case during his closing statement to the jury of four women and eight men.

"I don't think in this case you saw the best of the criminal justice system," Resnick said.

He then began to question why police had not fingerprinted the victim's door, the pepper spray she tried to use on Handy or the kitchen knife she says she used to try to get Handy to leave her alone.

Resnick said he didn't believe the photographs of the victim's apartment showed enough of a struggle took place.

"We are claiming she staged the scene," he said.

Resnick also cast doubt on the testimony of police officers and a sexual assault forensic examination nurse. He claimed there were "glaring inaccuracies" in the timeline of when police officers were called and arrived, and when the victim was examined at the hospital.

www.delmarvanow.com

Trial Date Changed For Pocomoke Rape Case

SNOW HILL— The trial for a man charged with raping a Pocomoke City woman has been postponed for a week.

Originally scheduled for Feb. 2, the trial now will be held Feb. 9 and 10, as the office of the state’s attorney and defense council determined that two days were neccessary to try the case. A conflict in schedule for the judges prevented the case from going to trial this week.

Sherrick Martell Handy, of Horntown, was charged for allegedly forcing his way into the apartment of a former girlfriend in the early hours of June 28. He is charged with rape and assault in the first- and second-degree, first-and third-degree burglary and false imprisonment.

www.delmarvanow.com

Man Says He Was Not Let Into Court Because Of His Hair

"I don't like looking like nobody else," says Todd.

But he says his look caused a stir at Southaven, Mississippi Traffic Court Friday.

"The bailiff said you can't come in here with your hair like that. I was like what are you saying. He said, I told you that last time. My captain didn't like how your hair was. I said how is a black man supposed to wear his hair. He asked me to leave," says Todd.

He never got to the courtroom.

"It shouldn't be a problem at all. I'm going in there to conduct business. You got people murdering, killing doing all kinds of stuff and you wanna pinpoint my hair. I just think it's wrong," he says.

At Southaven court, no one would talk to us about the incident.

There is a dress code posted outside the Southaven Court. No halter tops, revealing clothing, tank tops, shorts, t-shirts, but nothing about hair.

Todd says he usually adds ornaments and lights to his hair, but didn't Friday because he was going to court.

At the Razor Sharp Barber and Beauty Shop, he gets help putting it all together.

Workers don't think he was trying to disrespect court.

"It can be a little distracting but that's who he is. Dreadlocks can be a little distracting for some people. Loud hair color," says stylist Kori Randolph.

"Does it say in court you have to have your hair a certain way? You have to have a crew cut. Don't have no law against certain hair styles, do they?" says business owner Waheeb Hammad.

"I am not gonna change it. This is me. I'm just in the Christmas spirit. That's what I do," says Todd.

Bobby Todd says he's been wearing his hair style since 1999 and it's never been a problem, especially at the beauty supply company where he works.

No comment from a judge who sets court dress code.

www.wreg.com

Accomack And Northampton County Court

Accomack County Court

Ryan Bonniwell, 27, of Painter, was found guilty of burglary and grand larceny. A presentence report has been ordered.

Lavar Johnson, 30, of Mappsville, was found guilty of possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute. He was sentenced to 10 years with all but time served suspended.

Christopher Barcroft, 21, of Cape Charles, was sentenced to four years for two counts of burglary and two counts of grand larceny.

Keenan Goodwine, 19, of Atlantic, was found guilty of robbery and the use of a firearm in commission of a robbery. A presentence report was ordered.

Thomas Bunting, 27, of Melfa, was found guilty of aggravated sexual assault. A presentence report has been ordered.

Joann Ball, 57, of Accomac, was sentenced to 10 years with all but 12 months suspended for possession of cocaine.

Michael Sample Jr., 25, of Painter, was sentenced to 10 years each on two counts of breaking and entering and two counts of grand larceny, to run concurrently, with all suspended upon completion of detention and diversion center programs.

Jonathan Stevens, 27, of Quinby, was sentenced to five years for burglary with all suspended after completion of community service.

Jesse Mariner, 28, of Keller, was sentenced to 10 years each on counts of burglary and grand larceny, with all but three years suspended.

Derrick Reid, 22, of Nassawadox, was sentenced to five years each on counts of breaking and entering, robbery and a firearms charge, to run consecutively, for a sentence of 15 years.

Keshawn Savage, 21, of New Church, was sentenced to three years with all but one year suspended for hit and run.

Terrell Robinson, 33, of Birdsnest, had his probation reinstated.

Northampton County

Yolanda O'Sha Stines, 35, of Accomac, was sentenced to five years with all but 2.5 years suspended for writing bad checks.

Leonard Tromell Brooks, 27, of Cape Charles, was sentenced to 10 years with all but two years suspended for possession with the intent to distribute more than one-half ounce but less than five pounds of marijuana.

Cynthia Rene Weathers, 35, of Pocomoke City, Md., was sentenced to five years with all but time served suspended for four counts of welfare fraud and ordered to pay $5,005.

Terry Wayne McGee Jr., 34, of Newport News, was sentenced to five years for forgery, 12 months for receiving stolen property, 12 months for using a false identity and 12 months for driving on a suspended license, to run concurrently, with all but 12 months suspended.

William Jerome Reid Jr., 31, of Machipongo, was sentenced to five years with four years suspended for possession with the intent to distribute more than one half ounce but less than five pounds of marijuana. He also had a previous sentence imposed and received indefinite probation.

Brian Dwayne Johnson, 31, of Tasley, had his probation revoked.

Deshaun Lamont Corney, 21, of Birdsnest, pleaded guilty of two counts of robbery, one count of entering in the nighttime while armed with a deadly weapon, one count of malicious wounding, and one count of displaying a firearm in a threatening manner during a robbery. A presentence report has been ordered.
www.easternshorenews.com

Manslaughter Trial Reset For January 11

SNOW HILL -- Jesse James Mason's manslaughter trial has been pushed to January, after State's Attorney Joel Todd filed a motion for postponement.

Mason was charged with homicide by motor vehicle, negligent homicide by auto while impaired, negligent manslaughter by auto, auto homicide under the influence of alcohol and related charges after he allegedly drove out of a parking lot while Hunter Lee Stonnell was hanging onto his vehicle. Stonnell knew Mason was drunk, police said, and had been imploring him not to drive when he was killed.

Todd said he disqualified himself in order to avoid the appearance of impropriety. The victim's family believes he has a "too close relationship" with the defense attorney, Todd said in an interview.

The case is currently scheduled for trial on Jan. 11, and incoming State's Attorney Beau Oglesby will try the case after being sworn into office on Jan. 3.

www.delmarvanow.com

Court Cases

Court cases heard in Accomack County.

Salvador Hernandez, 26, of Parksley, was found guilty of possession of cocaine. A presentence report has been ordered.

John Waldner, 28, of Chincoteague, was found guilty of possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute. He was given a 12-month suspended sentence, a $100 fine and given community service.

Jernell Pettit, 19, of Nelsonia, was found guilty of robbery and the use of a firearm in commission of a robbery. A presentence report has been ordered.

Randall Moricle, 18, of Assawoman, was found guilty of grand larceny. A presentence report has been ordered.

Cassandra Jones, 38, of Pocomoke City, Md., was sentenced to three years with all time suspended, ordered to pay restitution and given probation for welfare fraud.

John Tucker, 28, of Onancock, was sentenced to five years each for burglary and grand larceny with all but three years suspended, to run concurrently.

Harvion Simpkins, 23, of Onancock, was sentenced to five years for carnal knowledge. He also was convicted of misdemeanor sexual abuse and given 12 months; to run concurrently, with all but nine months suspended.

Heath Edwards, 42, of Temple, Pa., was found guilty of malicious maiming. A presentence report has been ordered.

Charles Tyler Jr., 34, of Onancock, was sentenced to 20 years with 15 years suspended for embezzlement.

Milton Faison, 28, of Nassawadox, was sentenced to 20 years, with all but five years suspended, to run concurrently with a 55-year sentence in Northampton Circuit Court. His Accomack convictions include armed burglary, attempted robbery, and use of a sawed-off shotgun.

Herbert Lane, 20, of Exmore, was sentenced to 20 years with all but four years suspended for armed burglary, robbery and use of a sawed-off shotgun.

Sarah Clay, 54, of Oak Hall, was sentenced to 12 months with all suspended for welfare fraud.

Keshawn Savage, 21, of New Church, was found guilty of personal-injury hit-and-run. Sentencing guidelines were ordered.

Spencer Sample, 54, of Painter, was found guilty of burglary and grand larceny. A presentence report has been ordered.

Steve Kilgore, 25, of Exmore, was sentenced to five years each for burglary, attempted robbery, possession of a sawed-off shotgun, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, for a total active sentence of 20 years.

Lisa Hanscom, 48, of Melfa, was found guilty of embezzlement and was sentenced to five years with all but 10 days suspended.

Gloria Bailey, 45, of Pungoteague, was sentenced to five years with all but three months suspended for welfare fraud.

William Custis, 26, of Accomac, was sentenced to 10 years for shooting at an occupied dwelling and five years for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, to run consecutively, combined with a reinstituted sentence from a probation revocation, for a total active sentence of 14 years, six months.

John Reid, 37, of Painter, had his probation revoked and a three-year sentence reimposed.

James Johnson, 37, of Painter, was found guilty of breaking and entering and grand larceny. A presentence report was ordered.

Jonathan Stevens, 27, of Quinby, was found guilty of burglary. Sentencing guidelines were ordered.

Derrick Crockett, 35, of Bloxom, was found guilty of burglary and grand larceny. A presentence report has been ordered.

Laquita Ward, 29, of Atlantic, was found guilty of receiving stolen property. A presentence report has been ordered.

Shawn Scarborough, 39, of Melfa, was found guilty of possession of cocaine and marijuana over one-half ounce but less than five pounds. A presentence report has been ordered.

Tyron Grant, 22, of Belle Haven, was sentenced to three years each for breaking and entering and grand larceny with all but time served suspended. Restitution was ordered and an Assign-A-Highway service given.

Craig Barnes, 31, of Saxis, had his probation revoked and will serve one year, six months.

William Marcel Custis, 26, of Onancock, had his probation revoked and will serve an additional 18 months.

Christopher J. Barcroft, 21 of Nassawadox, had his probation revoked and will serve the remainder of a five years sentence with all but one year suspended.

Joann Ball, 57, of Melfa, was found guilty of possession of cocaine. Sentencing guidelines were ordered.

Randy Hill Jr., 24, of Exmore, was found guilty of possession of cocaine and possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute. Sentencing guidelines were ordered.

Troy Rew, 37, of Salisbury, Md., was found guilty of malicious maiming. A presentence report has been ordered.

Samuel Pettit Jr., 38, of Mappsville, was found guilty of obtaining money under false pretenses. A presentence report has been ordered.

Jesse Mariner, 28, of Keller, was found guilty of burglary and grand larceny. Sentencing guidelines were ordered.

Maurice Bivens, 27, of Temperanceville, was found guilty of burglary and three counts of forgery. Sentencing guidelines and an evaluation were ordered.

John Stanley III, 43, of Parksley, was sentenced to first-offender status for a charge of possession of cocaine that will be dismissed after completion of the first-offender program.

Brian Lee Brown, 31, of Horntown, was sentenced to 12 months and fined $100 for possession of cocaine and possession of marijuana.

O.J. Matthews, 28, of Bloxom, was sentenced to three years with all but time served suspended for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and five misdemeanors.

Fairdale Johnson, 34, of Mappsville, was sentenced to 20 years with all but five years suspended for distribution of cocaine.

Richard Copes, 31, of Withams, was sentenced to 20 years on each of three counts of grand larceny, robbery and abduction, to run consecutively, with all but four years suspended, for a total active sentence of 12 years.

Gary Tyler, 41, of Onancock, was sentenced to five years for assault and battery of a police officer.

William Laird, 29, of Tangier Island, was sentenced to five years with all but 2.5 months suspended for possession of oxycodone with the intent to distribute.

Christopher Bornaschella, 37, of Chincoteague, who had been found guilty of breaking and entering, grand larceny, attempted breaking and entering and petty larceny. He was sentenced to 20 years each on the felonies and 12 months each on the misdemeanors, with all but time served suspended upon completion of a detention and diversion center program.

Kevin Nock, 47, of Onley, was sentenced to five years with all but two years, two months suspended for third-offense shoplifting.

William Watson, 47, of Onley, was sentenced to five years with all but two years, two months suspended for third-offense shoplifting.

Michael Sample Jr., 25, of Painter, was found guilty of burglary and grand larceny. A presentence report has been ordered.

Gregory Crockett, 46, of Chincoteague, was found guilty of possession of cocaine. He was sentenced to 12 months with all but 30 days suspended and given 100 hours of community service.

Carroll Holland Jr., 42, of Parksley, was found guilty of writing bad checks and was sentence to 12 months with all time suspended.

Corey Bailey, 19, of Eastville, was found guilty of threatening to burn a building and was sentenced to 12 months with all but eight months suspended.

Jessica Boggs, 27, of Nelsonia, was found guilty of welfare fraud. A presentence report has been ordered.

Joshualynn Boggs, 25, of Onancock, was found guilty of assault and battery of a police officer and sentenced to six months.

Prentiss Ayres, 40, of Onley, was sentenced to five years with all but six months suspended for embezzlement.

Dustin Godwin, 23, of Wattsville, had his probation revoked and will serve one year.

Bruce Meilhammer, 18, of Chincoteague, was found guilty of three counts of grand larceny and sentenced to 90 days with all but time served suspended, to run concurrently, and ordered to pay restitution.

Kerwin Mears, 26, of Accomac, was sentenced to 10 years with seven years suspended and ordered to pay a $500 fine for second offense possession with the intent to distribute cocaine and second-offense possession of marijuana.

Kenneth Simpkins Jr., 26, of Greenbush, was sentenced to 10 years with eight years, seven months suspended for distribution of cocaine.

Bruce Johnson, 52, of Mappsville, was sentenced to 10 years with seven years suspended for possession of cocaine. He also had probation revoked and one year added to his sentence.

Louis Sample Jr., 49, of Accomac, had probation revoked and a three-year sentence reimposed.

Keith Parker, 42, of Onley, was found guilty of petty larceny and was sentenced to 12 months with all but 30 days suspended.

Yolanda O. Bundick, 35, of Painter, was found guilty of two counts of uttering and was sentenced to 10 years on each, with all suspended except for 3 years, 4 months.

Cathy Jones, 45, of Onancock, was found guilty of welfare fraud and bad checks. A presentence report has been ordered.

Rory Tomlin, 19, of Melfa, was sentenced to four years and given youthful offender status for attempted robbery, maliciously shooting at an occupied vehicle and use of a firearm in commission of a felony.

Davon Davis, 21, of Painter, was sentenced to four years and given youthful offender status for attempted burglary, attempted robbery and use of a sawed-off shotgun.

Anthony Turner, 33, of Painter, was sentenced to 10 years with all but 1 year, 8 months suspended for distribution of cocaine.

Jason Rienerth, 20 of Onancock, had his probation revoked.