Jackson Free Press

The prosecution decided not to bring a rebuttal witness, instead electing to submit another police report instead. (Details of police report to come.) The prosecution rested. The judge announced that final arguments will be at 10 a.m. Thursday. At 8:30 a.m., the judge and attorneys for both sides will meet to discuss final details of the judge's jury instructions.

Previous Commentsshow

You know, I considered the possibility that Melton may only be found guilty of malicious mischief and just get 3-5 years. Either way it goes, he would still have to resign. I think the bodyguards could get more time since they physically did more damage than Melton did.

LatashaWillis

Apr 25 2007

I hope they don't try to do what Wayne Michael Trent did: He was being arraigned in this case on charges of criminal impersonation, possession of false police identification and identity theft when he ran from the courtroom just before being taken into custody (watch KPTV video). A sheriff’s office deputy chased him into a hallway and shocked him with a Taser. Trent then fell to the ground and asked for his mother, sheriff’s office officials said.

LatashaWillis

Apr 25 2007

LW, I seem to remember Melton using false (fraudulently aquired) police id in obtaining a permit to cary a concealed weapon in DC. Sounds like what you quoted above. Any idea if there are plans by the FED to pursue charges on that level? They should, even if FM is found guilty here!

kdbstlrfan1

Apr 25 2007

And also, if he's a known abuser of alcohol (or drugs), he can't legally have a concealed carry permit in the state of MS. If he is an abuser of drugs/alcohol, and he has a carry permit.... there is one count of perjury right there. lc

LawClerk

Apr 25 2007

I thought about the false ID thing too. Forgot to bring that up.

LatashaWillis

Apr 25 2007

Does his mother claim him??

Danno

Apr 25 2007

Here's what I want to know: What's with Melton's skin head haircut? Has his hair always looked like that?

jasp

Apr 26 2007

About the family thing. None of his family was here. You would think that at least one family member, maybe even a cousin, would be here to support frank. That is truely showing how his own family feels about him. Why do you think he is here and not in Texas. They didn't want him so we got him!

kdbstlrfan1

Apr 26 2007

jasp... Oh yeah, Melton has got the "good hair" Just as you could say, Jim Hood has some "good hair" ;-)

pikersam

Apr 26 2007

I believe both of Melton's parents are deceased. He has a brother. His sister-in-law was in the balcony according to the C-L. I was shocked to read in today's C-L that the reporters thought the Sheriff's cordiality was renewed friendship. Our Sheriff is always quite cordial. He is accustomed to dealing with all types of characters and certainly has always behaved as a good Christian man in my presence. I can only mark their "Analysis" up to created controversy. They also spoke of the long standing lack of cooperation between the County and the City and offered as proof the questioning of two JPD personnel by the DA's office. My goodness, when can a DA's office not question other County personnel? Just because they draw their paycheck from the same treasury does not exempt them from doing their job. Based on that premise, every department could become corrupt and no one could question anyone..... Our main print media, assisted by some of the TV reporting, has created the problems we now are suffering and they still cannot see their part in it. When the books are written on this era the JFP will come through like a beacon of truth. The Defense Team for Melton, et al, certainly recognized the truth telling of the JFP (and its 'bloggers') and showed their fear of this truth.

ChrisCavanaugh

Apr 26 2007

Danks, when you do your closing today, remember that the jurors are smart, and while you can talk till your more tan in the face about intent, it doesn't matter. I really expected more from you from the last time Melton was on trial, and you had a nice little blurb in the CL about one of the witnesses... "You can imagine what I was gonna do to him on the stand" Hahahahaha... well, I watched this entire trial. Pathetic.

LawClerk

Apr 26 2007

Closing arguments are beginning on wapt.com. Prosecutors have said they will take about 20 minutes, defense wants 30 minutes.

LawClerk

Apr 26 2007

Look at em giving the jury his "puppy dog" eyes... So, sad! Waaaa!

pikersam

Apr 26 2007

I'm still saying that if it doesn't end in a hung jury, it will be a conviction on at least one count.

LawClerk

Apr 26 2007

Well, the "definition" of malicious is stated so that they should be able to convict. There was no "evil intent" included.

kdbstlrfan1

Apr 26 2007

Yeah, but... can't you also presume that from his actions he had intent? I know, that if I take a loaded gun, point it at someone, and pull the trigger, regardless of my 'intent' to hurt someone, the action that I took presumes intent to do bodily harm. Because that's what happens!

LawClerk

Apr 26 2007

Yes, and its not like they accidently discharged their sledge hammers and sticks!

kdbstlrfan1

Apr 26 2007

If they are convicted, who decides and how do they decide the punnishment. Can you tell I am not real familiar with the court system?

kdbstlrfan1

Apr 26 2007

Look at em giving the jury his "puppy dog" eyes... So, sad! Waaaa! Posted by: pikersam on Apr 26, 07 | 10:04 am [img]http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/pic/153/999243~Shrek-2-Puss-N-Boots-Posters.jpg[/img]

LatashaWillis

Apr 26 2007

the CL has a pic of Melton and his Wife coming in for the trial this morning.. Link to C-L I wonder why she's not wearing her ring?

LawClerk

Apr 26 2007

Does his mother claim him?? Danno, when the man was yelling, "Mom! Mom!" I can't remember if she answered back. When a reporter interviewed her afterwards, she said something to the effect that she can understand why he tried to run because he was scared. It was weird, though. He acted like he was about to let the officer cuff him, he got this weird look in his eyes, and he just slid past everyone and took off like a rocket. He did it so fast that it took a couple of seconds for the officers to start chasing him. He still had two tasers hanging out of him when they got him off the stairs and brought him back in. If you haven't already, go to the link and watch the tape.

LatashaWillis

Apr 26 2007

What a good observation LawClk. I hope someone in the media asks afterwards during the presser. Also, I wonder if the Defense will point her out during arguments in an attempt to remind them he has a family, a wife (rings?), and a home. Pull out all the stops.

pikersam

Apr 26 2007

WOW, she does not look happy to in Jackson, MS.

kdbstlrfan1

Apr 26 2007

The CL is listing that just about every Melton hired City felon... I mean... employee is there including Bob H., Armstrong and Robert Williams. Funny how convicted felons stay together. They should all be fired for wasting our money by not taking personal days. This trial has absolutely nothing to do with their jobs except maybe Ward and P-Weaver who may need to be near-by for City stuff. I hope the new mayor docks their pay based on time spend carrying Melton's coat-tails everywhere he went outside City business.

pikersam

Apr 26 2007

WLBT has live footage on TV right now. Now I can watch some of this.

LatashaWillis

Apr 26 2007

This is sad that Dr. Melton has become the "Wife for Criminal Relief." This is such a game and I know she must feel the embarrassment knowing that people, even in Russia are watching her "husband's" lawyer prove that the folks in MS are still in the Stone Age and elected a mayor who is governs like the Wild, Wild West. Another sad thing is that all of the people being oppressed are African-Americans. So, I guess it would be proper and fitting to say that frank-ie is a mr. charl-ie. This is plantation mentality at its best!

justjess

Apr 26 2007

FM having his wife (?) there is even more sad. She looks more like one of his bodyguards than a wife. First of all, in crisis most of us will hold our partners hand as a sign of support. I agree, she doesn't look very excited about being "brought" in here. I know he's on trial but what about a support smile. I also noticed there are no wedding rings on her hand---just an observation. Can someone say "staged".!

maad

Apr 26 2007

I want a standard issue sledge hammer. Do I need to be a meltonite to get one?

kdbstlrfan1

Apr 26 2007

It feels weird hearing the F-word on channel 3.

LatashaWillis

Apr 26 2007

Interesting how they are using the fact that Welch was there to prove there to prove the "malice" part of it... I like this prosecutor.

LawClerk

Apr 26 2007

this guy is struggling with his demonstrative exhibits

Ole Miss Alum

Apr 26 2007

I guess the defense has decided that it is now legal to commit burglary of a crack house. HMMMMMMMM, burglary of anything is illegal if I remember right.

kdbstlrfan1

Apr 26 2007

This guy is a MORON! He should have let someone else do his closing!

kdbstlrfan1

Apr 26 2007

Smith looks like an amateur with that big poster board. He has been struggling with it for awhile. Whereare the easels?

Fitz

Apr 26 2007

I have to say he is pretty disorganized.

Ole Miss Alum

Apr 26 2007

I don't think he could operate the easel.

Ole Miss Alum

Apr 26 2007

Fitz, he can't get the easel set up right, so he put it on the ground.... Terrible.

LawClerk

Apr 26 2007

OleMiss - "I work really hard cuz I'm no fun!" bwong!

LawClerk

Apr 26 2007

Oh Lord. This is tough to watch.

Ole Miss Alum

Apr 26 2007

Jury is distracted by his bumbling.

Fitz

Apr 26 2007

Baaaayaaaaaaaa!!!

Ole Miss Alum

Apr 26 2007

He has absolutely no inflection in his voice... contrast that with the ADA....

LawClerk

Apr 26 2007

Object to the high crime statement!

pikersam

Apr 26 2007

"Brave men with good hearts." Is that why they let kids tear the house up? What a punk!

pikersam

Apr 26 2007

His whole closing seems to be out of line and slapped together in about 2 minutes.

Ole Miss Alum

Apr 26 2007

2 minutes??? Why are you being so generous today? Sleep well last night?!??! :D

LawClerk

Apr 26 2007

I hope Recio and Wright didn't pay too much for this guy.

Ole Miss Alum

Apr 26 2007

What does single mothers have to do with this? Trying to appeal to a female majority, huh?

LatashaWillis

Apr 26 2007

You Mr. Smith and Melton are the only ones insulting anyone intelligence!

pikersam

Apr 26 2007

Yeah, but it only takes one ignorant sympathizer to set Melton free.

pikersam

Apr 26 2007

This guy is doing better.

Ole Miss Alum

Apr 26 2007

Yep.. he's doing MUCH better...

LawClerk

Apr 26 2007

I thought guessing was not allowed in the deliberations!

kdbstlrfan1

Apr 26 2007

I'll give Recio a fair shot at walking.

Ole Miss Alum

Apr 26 2007

Recio walks.

LawClerk

Apr 26 2007

Hahaha.. nice OleMiss.... same time!

LawClerk

Apr 26 2007

LawClerk, stop reading my mind!!! Baaaaayaaaaaa!!!

Ole Miss Alum

Apr 26 2007

Ooooh... threw Melton under the bus just then: "He's his bodyguard... anywhere Melton goes, Recio goes"

LawClerk

Apr 26 2007

Come on Danks... thrill me with your closing. Convince me he's not guilty.

LawClerk

Apr 26 2007

Dammit!! Danks isn't doing the closing.

Ole Miss Alum

Apr 26 2007

It's funny how Thompson says he can't say something while he's saying what he can't say.

LatashaWillis

Apr 26 2007

Did someone just clap, or was I hearing things?

LatashaWillis

Apr 26 2007

L.W. That was pretty smooth.

Fitz

Apr 26 2007

Who is evan thompson?

kdbstlrfan1

Apr 26 2007

I have to say Coxwell isn't doing a bad job, but I would have rather heard Danks give a sermon.

Ole Miss Alum

Apr 26 2007

Did someone just clap, or was I hearing things? LW I bet that was Stephanie Parker Weaver

pikersam

Apr 26 2007

He looks like Scarecrow from Batman.

pikersam

Apr 26 2007

Oh hell yea.

Ole Miss Alum

Apr 26 2007

Love the cufflinks.

Ole Miss Alum

Apr 26 2007

LawClerk you need some of Danks' self tanner.

Ole Miss Alum

Apr 26 2007

I know... with my pasty self.... It's unreal how Danks is arguing ZERO facts, but straight emotion. "Who are the real victims? The users of crack!" Um... yeah? We have laws to deal with that "bro."

LawClerk

Apr 26 2007

Oh thats why i love it. Its the sermon.

Ole Miss Alum

Apr 26 2007

OleMiss.... 24/7... TWENTYFOURSEVEN. It's time to STOP this illegal activity....

LawClerk

Apr 26 2007

Hmm....How many people still believe in the integrity of the JPD?

Fitz

Apr 26 2007

LOL. Clear the courtroom. The judge needs get control of those people clapping.

Ole Miss Alum

Apr 26 2007

Come on Stanley. Keep it up.

Ole Miss Alum

Apr 26 2007

Nice Roosevelt quote.

Ole Miss Alum

Apr 26 2007

Go Stanley!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

kdbstlrfan1

Apr 26 2007

I like Stanley!!!!!! Get'em Stan!!!

Fitz

Apr 26 2007

Stanley is getting it back on track about the law.

Ole Miss Alum

Apr 26 2007

He's good... see, He is arguing the facts and the law. Both are on his side. Danks has NOTHING. However, the clapping gives me chills. And not in a good way. I think Recio is going to walk, and Melton now.... well... I'm having second thoughts about my one conviction thought....

LawClerk

Apr 26 2007

I think Recio might walk, but as long as Stanley stays on track and keeps it simple, I think Melton and Wright are going down.

Ole Miss Alum

Apr 26 2007

Stanley is doing a great job. At least one conviction on each defendant based on his rebuttal.

kdbstlrfan1

Apr 26 2007

OleMiss- We'll see... I surely hope Melton doesn't walk. I was very sure that he would be convicted on one count, but, I'm thinking now the jury might be swayed by the antics of the courtroom and not necessarily the arguments.

LawClerk

Apr 26 2007

Who is COUGHING?! Get away from the mike.

Fitz

Apr 26 2007

One count for Melton and Recio. Two counts for Marcus.

Fitz

Apr 26 2007

I think Alexander pulled one of Thompson's tricks by mentioning the teenage boys. Coxwell was furious. Oh well. :-)

LatashaWillis

Apr 26 2007

Stanley did an excellent job. He was alittle to calm for my taste, however, he was sincere, on point, and thorough. Rebutted or refuted most of the bullshit presented by the defense for the purpose of seeking sympathy, emotion, forgiveness and understanding. Thompson had a big presence, too. If the State loses, it won't be Staney's fault. I expect a guilty verdict on something if not all charges, and I would be literally shocked if I hear not guilty verdicts on all counts. They would have to be based on something besides the evidence.

Ray Carter

Apr 26 2007

Ray, I think Alexander got the jury's attention better by being calm.

LatashaWillis

Apr 26 2007

You're probably right, LW. He was there looking at them and able to guage their demeanor, expectation and idiosyncrasies, not me. I just wanted him to be overwhelming and so powerful that no doubt is left about the guilt of those three.

Ray Carter

Apr 26 2007

I know, Ray, but I think that stuff has played out. Danks had already tried to turn the case into a Lifetime movie since there's a female majority.

LatashaWillis

Apr 26 2007

I agree L.W., I think the jury needed the gears to be shifted in order to keep their attention. He began by saying he wasn't a politician but he knew the difference between right and wrong. Than kinda put the defense's arguments into perspective.

thetruth

Apr 26 2007

Danks had already tried to turn the case into a Lifetime movie since there's a female majority. Hilarious, L.W. ;-)

DonnaLadd

Apr 26 2007