Jackson Free Press

Meantime, read the JFP's Melton blog/archive here. And read the Sept. 1, 2006, story by Adam Lynch that revealed the Ridgeway Street demolition and led to the trial this week. See photos of the Ridgeway destruction here.

Previous Comments

ID

127271

Comment

Are they expecting a large protest crowd outside! I agree with other posters... This is probably rigged!

Author

Birdseye

Date

2007-04-23T09:13:57-06:00

ID

127272

Comment

why are you guys saying its rigged? What evidence do you have to suggest any such thing?

Author

Kingfish

Date

2007-04-23T09:27:27-06:00

ID

127273

Comment

Lets wait and see the outcome. If Melton is not convicted of all counts, then we can be reasonably sure there were questionable events that took place. Lets give the Judge and Jury a chance to prove themselves.

Author

kdbstlrfan1

Date

2007-04-23T09:31:38-06:00

ID

127274

Comment

I am really hoping for justice to be served, and quickly. Enough is enough. Melton broke the law, and he needs to pay for it, pure and simple. Maybe he'll learn once and for all that you don't fight fire with fire; you fight it with water. That goes for the enablers, too.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-04-23T09:34:48-06:00

ID

127275

Comment

not necessarily. DA could also blunder her way into an acquittal for example. Or a witness can change stories on the stand and blow up your case. Just saying that if he is not convicted it does not mean the case is rigged.

Author

Kingfish

Date

2007-04-23T09:36:40-06:00

ID

127276

Comment

Also, doesn't everyone just love how the Ledger is trying to milk a story they wouldn't report in the first place?!? (Until after we did.) Their paltry little timeline yesterday had some very apparent gaps in it between the demolition night and Sept. 2, when they say Melton denied doing it or some such. Chortle.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-23T09:42:51-06:00

ID

127277

Comment

no ongoing blog here like the CL has? What gives? Please don't make me go there for updates. ;-)

Author

Kingfish

Date

2007-04-23T10:21:28-06:00

ID

127278

Comment

What are you talking about, King? That's not an "ongoing blog." They're just updated the same file with trivia. That's not "blogging." ;-) I hear they have three reporters down there looking for trivia. My managing editor is down there as Adam is here finishing stories for this week. Matt is out of play because he ripped part of his leg off in a sports accident this weekend. And I'm posting updates from here. Meantime, you found out first here that the jury is being sequestered. ;-) Per usual on the Melton story, I expect my ragtag group of reporters to continue giving Jackson the real news on this story. We don't plan to stop now. Good to see the Ledger trying to play the game, though. It's about time.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-23T10:47:46-06:00

ID

127279

Comment

Also, no comments on their "blog," yet. ;-) (You know that their actual blogs use Blogger, right? The college student's favorite blogging software.)

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-23T10:50:43-06:00

ID

127280

Comment

Matt is out of play because he ripped part of his leg off in a sports accident this weekend. Goodness! How's he doing? Maybe you should ban all of your reporters from motorcycles and sports. :-P

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-04-23T10:57:36-06:00

ID

127281

Comment

He's doing OK. His leg is a mess, though. Apparently, it was a basketball injury, believe it or not. And he's set to go to D.C. for a fellowship interview tomorrow. Say a little prayer for him, all, to help get on his feet by then.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-23T10:59:46-06:00

ID

127282

Comment

ladd, I had not seen the up close pictures at the Ridgeway House. This is sad. Why would you tear up a toilet? Why crack the glass on the TV? Why tear up the man's stove? This was an act of meaness and a total disrespect for Welch and the property owner.

Author

justjess

Date

2007-04-23T11:01:15-06:00

ID

127283

Comment

I always keep my crack in the toliet and behind the glass of the TV. It's the two places I spend the most time! LOL! Let's not even get into how much crack I've got to keep in my computer! ;-) The icebox - nothing but CRACK! Come to think of it, last time I was washing clothes, I opened the dryer, and my wife had filled it up with crack! It's everywhere! Justjess, Melton was sending a message to someone. And, that message wasn't to stop selling drugs regardless of what he wants us to think!

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-04-23T11:09:12-06:00

ID

127284

Comment

pikersam, I am still CRACKING UP (LOL)!!!!!!! ...and i think the message was: The witch with a (B) better have my money.

Author

justjess

Date

2007-04-23T11:25:58-06:00

ID

127285

Comment

I love Blogger, and am too old to be a college student. It's free and easy to use. :)

Author

Lady Havoc

Date

2007-04-23T12:00:20-06:00

ID

127286

Comment

Lady, the point is that Blogger is for *INDIVIDUALS* to use for personal blogs, not for major media outlets. If they actually had any really traffic to their blogs, it couldn't handle it.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-23T12:29:20-06:00

ID

127287

Comment

Hey, lets not talk about how much crack you have in your toilet. TMI! LOL

Author

kdbstlrfan1

Date

2007-04-23T12:43:34-06:00

ID

127288

Comment

Not that I put much stock into it since it is unscientific, but the C-L's online poll asks if Frank ran for mayor, would you vote for him. Out of 915 votes, a razor-thin 50.6% say no. Maybe the sheeple are waking up and smelling the coffee.

Author

golden eagle '97

Date

2007-04-23T12:59:35-06:00

ID

127289

Comment

I love blogger. Especially since they updated it.

Author

Ole Miss Alum

Date

2007-04-23T14:23:24-06:00

ID

127290

Comment

...and also L.W. you don't start fires that you can't control.. Sometimes the fires we set can burn and destroy us. It's another example of the "Hunter being captured by the game."

Author

justjess

Date

2007-04-23T15:05:01-06:00

ID

127291

Comment

Justjess, you must be a Jumanji fan. :-)

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-04-23T15:29:46-06:00

ID

127292

Comment

No, L.W., I am not a Jumanji fan; however, I must admit that this has been a real jungle and my only hope now is: When the WAR is over, the RATS didn't win. LOL!

Author

justjess

Date

2007-04-23T15:54:04-06:00

ID

127293

Comment

Yeah, or the police-car-driving monkeys. :-P

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-04-23T16:20:04-06:00

ID

127294

Comment

I have this sinking feeling that there is going to be a mistrial and no re-trial. Don't know why, that's just what my gut is saying. I say that he's not going to plead, but, if it comes to a verdict, it won't be innocent. Those are my predictions. LawClerk has spoken. :D

Author

LawClerk

Date

2007-04-23T16:40:02-06:00

ID

127295

Comment

LawClerk, if this whole thing ends in a mistrial, there's going to be a nasty funk in the air that will linger for years to come. The worst case scenario is if Melton gets out of this, does something like this a few more times, and someone dies because of it, maybe even him. I think he could spend more time behind bars to save him from himself.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-04-23T16:51:13-06:00

ID

127296

Comment

Apparently, the JFP blogs figured prominently in the defense's side of voir dire today. Brian will have more on that up later tonight. ;-)

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-23T17:43:07-06:00

ID

127297

Comment

Apparently, the JFP blogs figured prominently in the defense's side of voir dire today. ladd As cool as that is, I actually see it as a bit paranoid on behalf of the defense. I hope the DA's team snickered when they asked that! I know if I am just reading a story I'm interested in, but not 'really' interested in - I just read the story, skim the first few comments, and move on. For the Defense to worry that some of the 12 out of the few hundred thousand jurors that could be called from Hinds Co. would end being rabid 'blog-readers' tells me they are scared of the truth! The Clarion Ledger just made available posting on some of their stories just after the article. TV has the video news reports. Paranoid - they are! However, the JFP makes posting after a story a valuable asset to the news as we want it in this computer age. So, this may be a precursor to a common concern among attorneys in future cases as many other media outlets across the country make the jump to Internet, user-active news.

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-04-23T18:40:24-06:00

ID

127298

Comment

WOW, so much for not pounding on the history of the house!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can you say, have a good day Mayor Melton?

Author

kdbstlrfan1

Date

2007-04-24T08:24:26-06:00

ID

127299

Comment

Is anyone watching the streaming of the trial. I wish I had counted "evil intent" like I counted Gonzales' "I can't recalls."

Author

MS39047

Date

2007-04-24T08:35:15-06:00

ID

127300

Comment

Has anyone heard of a search warrant issued for this house. That was a great question. I also have never heard of a raid being run by kids and the police destroying personal belongings. HMMMMMMMM!!

Author

kdbstlrfan1

Date

2007-04-24T09:06:25-06:00

ID

127301

Comment

good questions about drug dogs and search warrants. If none existed, I'm sure the prosecution will point that out. Prosecution should've asked him how much beer he had drank since he admitted to drinking beer.

Author

Kingfish

Date

2007-04-24T09:10:29-06:00

ID

127302

Comment

you are right by the way kdbst........they usually give them ATF badges first.

Author

Kingfish

Date

2007-04-24T09:19:18-06:00

ID

127303

Comment

Can someone elaborate on why the video has to stop when the Jury is out of the room. they are sequestered. What does it matter if I or you see what happens?

Author

kdbstlrfan1

Date

2007-04-24T13:34:34-06:00

ID

127304

Comment

I spent many years in the military. To my recolection, GENERAL ORDERS are NOT discretionary. They are "Standing orders" to be followed by all personnel! JPD is a joke!!!!!!!!!!!

Author

kdbstlrfan1

Date

2007-04-24T13:37:15-06:00

ID

127305

Comment

Tyrone Lewis didn't sound like the replacement for Malcolm McMillan in the trial today. He definitely does not do well under pressure. His memory is pretty short, also. He appeared guarded and controlled. He has signs everywhere but his presence in today's hearing did not represent a person who is ready to take the torch.

Author

justjess

Date

2007-04-24T15:03:53-06:00

ID

127306

Comment

Yeah, justjess, I made a joke that McMillin would try to use Lewis' video in his campaign ads.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-24T15:05:55-06:00

ID

127307

Comment

For a minute there I thought the judge would throw it all out. He had the opportunity and has shown that hew at least will give the jury a chance. Good for him.

Author

kdbstlrfan1

Date

2007-04-24T15:39:40-06:00

ID

127308

Comment

Speaking of Lewis, someone stuck one of his flyers in my door yesterday, which I threw out. Someone stuck one of his signs in the yard across the street, and I have a feeling that the person didn't ask first. I already had to pull up a sign that someone stuck in our yard last week. Leaving flyers is okay (just not in the mailbox), but sticking signs in someone's yard without permission is not cool. I have canvassed before, and I know that you should always ask the homeowner first. An intersection is one thing, but in front of a house? That's a no-no.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-04-24T18:36:40-06:00

ID

127309

Comment

I'm not supporting any Frank-associated candidate for any office in Hinds County.

Author

golden eagle '97

Date

2007-04-24T18:50:21-06:00

ID

127310

Comment

Golden Eagle, how about drawing a flowchart for us? That will save us some time. :-P

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-04-24T18:53:34-06:00

ID

127311

Comment

Golden Eagle, how about drawing a flowchart for us? That will save us some time. :-P I'm not graphically-inclined. Anyhow, Faye and Malcolm will get my vote. I'm not sure about supervisor. I'm not aware if Doug Anderson has any opposition. I may sit that one out. But who knows, I may've moved to Michigan by then, thus sparing me the agony. Before this gets way off topic, back to our regularly-scheduled Frank discussion.

Author

golden eagle '97

Date

2007-04-24T18:59:18-06:00

ID

127312

Comment

Did anyone else find it interesting that Melton is often refered to as "carrying a walking tall stick" and the movie Welch and his friend were watching when all this happened was Walking Tall? Doesn't mean anything, but I got a little chuckle out of it yesterday.

Author

kdbstlrfan1

Date

2007-04-25T05:39:48-06:00

ID

127313

Comment

I did notice that, kdbs. However, rest assured that if this ever became a movie, The Rock will NOT be playing Melton. :-)

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-04-25T08:30:32-06:00

ID

127314

Comment

I love the fact that the prosecution witnesses were dressed in street clothes and the defense witness is in a suit. The only time he wears a suit is when he is in court!

Author

kdbstlrfan1

Date

2007-04-25T08:47:50-06:00

ID

127315

Comment

Damn, someone must have told on wapt. They had their audio stream running til just a second ago.

Author

kdbstlrfan1

Date

2007-04-25T08:51:44-06:00

ID

127316

Comment

Yeah, I'm sure he went out and bought that suit with his CI money.

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-04-25T09:00:48-06:00

ID

127317

Comment

No, look at it. It isn't tailored. That is a loaner from the Dank's suit pantry!

Author

kdbstlrfan1

Date

2007-04-25T09:12:59-06:00

ID

127318

Comment

Before WAPT's audio was cut off, the CI said that 1305 was the biggest drug house in Jackson. I find it hard to believe that a person who can not even pay his own rent (his mom pays it because he is mentally disabled) could run the biggest drug house in Jackson. I guess the defense thinks the jury is totally incompetent. But then again, maybe they are.

Author

kdbstlrfan1

Date

2007-04-25T09:17:12-06:00

ID

127319

Comment

why are they breaking now? i missed what they said...

Author

Belhaver

Date

2007-04-25T09:27:36-06:00

ID

127320

Comment

kdbs, I have faith in the jury at the moment. That could change depending on the verdict.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-04-25T09:30:18-06:00

ID

127321

Comment

LW. I don't mean to say I don't have faith in the jury. That will be decided based on the outcome of the trial. I am simply saying, I have talked to enough people and realize that there is no "type" of person who supports or does not support Melton. I know professionals and minimum wage workers who support him and some who don't. It goes across all socioeconomic lines. Just an observation.

Author

kdbstlrfan1

Date

2007-04-25T09:35:54-06:00

ID

127322

Comment

Belhaver, I believe they are giving the prosecution time to talk to the witnesses that the defense has called. Apparently, they did not tell the prosecution these witnesses names and therefore the prosecution wants time to depose them. Someone correct me if I am wrong please.

Author

kdbstlrfan1

Date

2007-04-25T09:37:35-06:00

ID

127323

Comment

I understand, k. The level of uncertainty here is enough to get anyone's drawers in a bunch. :-P

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-04-25T09:39:57-06:00

ID

127324

Comment

Did anyone see WLBT's online poll? The question reads, "Do you agree or disagree with the prosecution's claim that Jackson Mayor Frank Melton damaged the house with malice or evil intent?" I thought that the defense brought up evil intent, not the prosecution. Can someone who watched the video confirm this for me?

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-04-25T21:16:10-06:00

ID

127325

Comment

LW, wapt poll this morning says that 60% of people that responded would aquit Melton if they were on the jury. That shows the mwntality of thos who voted. I hope the real thing is different.

Author

kdbstlrfan1

Date

2007-04-26T05:58:10-06:00

ID

127326

Comment

L.W., agreed, WLBT's online poll is worded to confuse. So is the phrase 'evil intent'. As best I can tell this is one of the definitions of 'malice'. But, what I don't comprehend is why is 'malice' even the measure. Destroying other people's property without due process is wrong, no matter what may be in your mind or heart. Feelings are not on trial here. Motive is not on trial here. Just actions and their legality. FM and the two law enforcement officers should be held to an even higher standard than the rest of us because they are more than just citizens; they are under oath to uphold the law; they are sworn to protect life and property; they take and oath to uphold the laws of this State and this Country. These are solemn vows not trivial rules to be disregarded at one's discretion.

Author

ChrisCavanaugh

Date

2007-04-26T07:04:39-06:00

ID

127327

Comment

Just actions and their legality. FM and the two law enforcement officers should be held to an even higher standard than the rest of us because they are more than just citizens; they are under oath to uphold the law; they are sworn to protect life and property; they take and oath to uphold the laws of this State and this Country. Exactly! They should be held to a higher standard because they are supposed to know better - do better as representatives of the people. One thing is clear, we have some people working for the City, including Stokes and a 27 year records keeper, that do not know how to do their job or the policy and procedures involving what they do! Pretty sad!

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-04-26T07:57:36-06:00

ID

127328

Comment

OK, based on the defenses argument, and I just want to get this straight (not because I am thinking of doing anything like this, hahahaha), I could go to someones house, tear it down, and as long as there was no "evil intent", I would be exhonerated. If the judge allows the defense to argue that in closing arguments, he might as well just start handing out sledge hammers and "walking tall" sticks.

Author

kdbstlrfan1

Date

2007-04-26T08:12:42-06:00

ID

127329

Comment

Did anyone see the City Council meeting last night. Frank Bluntson is such an embarrassment to this community. He admonished McLemore, Chrisler, Barret - Simone, and Allen for going out "In from of City Hall before the cameras and asking for the mayor's resignation." He went on to say that the mayor was "IN JAIL WHEN YOU ALL DID THAT and that's a shame!" He then told that group of four that neither could be mayor because Channel 16 did a poll and "Ben AllEN, you only got 3% of the vote." He boasted that "THE MAYOR GOT 70% of the vote and he was IN JAIL!" Everytime I see that man (BLUNTSON), I think about the terrible violations he and others did to the young troubled youth at the Youth Detention Center. They took emotional and sexual advantage of those kids. I wish that just one of them could have a voice when he is talking all of that crap. I know I'm getting off subject; however, SORE has positioned herself to suck this City dry. I can't believe that a lawyer who can not answer the simple questions presented from the Council could even began to know the ins-and outs of bond law. Just thinking!

Author

justjess

Date

2007-04-26T09:06:46-06:00

ID

127330

Comment

Justjess, the last thing they want us to do is think.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-04-26T09:36:43-06:00