Jackson Free Press

A reader just sent me this Clarion-Ledger link and headline. Consider whether y'all think the headline portrays what's in the story: "Man charged in slaying may be released if DA doesn't hurry." Now, here's the beginning of the story:

The case of a Jackson man charged with killing his girlfriend must be presented to a grand jury by April 30 or the man will be released from jail on his own recognizance, a Hinds County judge said Monday.

But Hinds County District Attorney Faye Peterson told Judge William Barnett that there is no way the case can be presented to a grand jury by April 30. "We are waiting on the final autopsy report and the ballistics report, which could take up to four months," Peterson said.

Cleveland Ellis III, 19, is charged with murder in the Jan. 11 shooting death of Crystal Coleman, 23.

Barnett said at Ellis' preliminary hearing that there was probable cause to send the case to a grand jury for possible indictment. Also, he set Ellis' bond at $100,000. After Ellis' arrest last month, his bond was set in Jackson Municipal Court at $500,000.

Since Barnett began presiding over preliminary hearings last month, he has pushed for cases to be sent to a grand jury as soon as possible.

Peterson said she will file a motion asking Barnett to reconsider his order that could lead to Ellis being released on his own recognizance.

Previous Commentsshow

Ba-dump. This one deserves notice, all.

DonnaLadd

Feb 13 2007

Yet another wave in the C-L editorial board's gradual endorsement of whoever Peterson's opponent happens to be. The phrase "if ... doesn't hurry" should never appear in a mainstream newspaper headline, IMHO. Cheers, TH

Tom Head

Feb 13 2007

"We are waiting on the final autopsy report and the ballistics report, which could take up to four months," Peterson said. from story Yep, I guess Faye should be preforming the autopsy instead of the Co. Corner while see woks up the ballistics report in the crime lab? Maybe then she can get around to that pesky stuff like prosecuting criminals or something? Come on, WTF? The Ledge is fear-mongering, and pushing opinion as fact. Sounds like Judge Barnett needs to rein it in a bit.

pikersam

Feb 13 2007

OK, here's the perennial Clarion-Ledger question: Conspiracy or incompetency? (smile) I am on the record blaming the editors for the crap they put out right, not the reporters? Just wanted to be clear.

DonnaLadd

Feb 13 2007

So I guess it's all Faye's fault that the final autopsy and ballistics report won't be ready by April 30. When April 30 comes around and if this guy goes free, I can't wait to hear the spin on it.

golden eagle

Feb 13 2007