Posts Tagged ‘murder’

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Couple Sought in Utah Murders

Jan
02
Utah Criminal Defense Blog, on the topic of  Constitutional Rights, Criminal Defense Misc
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A man and woman are on the loose after possibly murdering two Mt. Pleasant residents and allegedly shooting a West Wendover, Nevada woman in the back of the head.

Utah Murders

Mt. Pleasant Police discovered the Fullwood couple dead in their Utah home this past Saturday evening. They died of gunshot wounds, likely Thursday night or early Friday morning. Police believe that the Utah murders occurred as a result of a random robbery, in spite of the fact that the Fullwoods’ son is a police officer with the West Jordan Police Department.

Carjacking and Attempted Murder in Wendover

Investigators also believe that the couple is responsible for a carjacking that occurred early Saturday morning in Wendover. That carjacking ended with the victim escaping alone in her car, only to be shot in the back of the head by one of carjackers. The victim is in the hospital at this time. The couple was able to escape from the Nevada Highway Patrol and is still at large.

Always Keep Your Doors Locked

A Mt. Pleasant resident commented that people in their town are very friendly and not suspicious, and that residents frequently leave their doors open. Let us take the opportunity to remind you that it is important to always be aware of your surroundings and take the time to lock doors and windows behind you, even if you’re at home.

Contact A Utah Criminal Defense Attorney for Help

Utah murders are, of course, extremely serious crimes. Death penalty cases are rare, but still occur. If you are being investigated for a crime, don’t take any chances; contact a Utah criminal defense attorney right away. You need the advice a respected attorney has to offer.

You are not required to discuss your case with the police first. You have the right to talk to an attorney, and you should take full advantage of that opportunity. You may have made past mistakes, but you still deserve the help an experienced criminal defense attorney can provide you. Make that important phone call today.

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Guilty Plea for 2004 Manslaughter in Utah

Dec
19
Utah Criminal Defense Blog, on the topic of  Crimes
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A 75-year-old woman recently pleaded guilty to shooting and killing her husband in 2004. Although she was originally charged with first-degree felony murder, Evelyn Johnson ended up pleading guilty to manslaughter, a second-degree felony.

Photo: Daniel Oines

What Happened?

Johnson allegedly shot her husband several times the day after he had served her with divorce papers. A daughter asserted that Johnson had been abused throughout the marriage to Alan Johnson.

There was a competency question concerning Johnson early on in the case, and she was sent to the state mental hospital. Johnson has been released and is now awaiting sentencing.

Manslaughter Plea

With her guilty plea to manslaughter, Johnson likely faces 1-15 years in prison, as opposed to a minimum of 5 years to life in prison. It’s impossible to know what the judge who sentences her will decide is an appropriate consequence. Even though Johnson and her daughter allege that there was abuse, prosecutors noted that there were never any domestic violence reports made to the police during their marriage. However, some spouses (both women and men) keep their silence when there is domestic violence.

Let a Criminal Defense Attorney Do Your Talking

If you have been or think you might be charged with a crime, whether manslaughter or something else, it’s important to get legal advice immediately. You needn’t wait until you are arrested to consult with a Utah criminal defense attorney. Let an attorney inform you of your options and do any talking for you. If there are mitigating circumstances in your case, he should be aware of them. Protect yourself and contact an experienced criminal defense attorney today.

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Indictment in Uintah County Shooting

Dec
09
Utah Criminal Defense Blog, on the topic of  Utah Crime News
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A federal grand jury has handed down an indictment for Colin Rian Manning for his alleged involvement in a Uintah County shooting this past summer that left one man dead and another man injured. Manning’s previously-sealed indictment included charges for second-degree murder, aiding and abetting, assault and use of a firearm—all within Indian Country.

Photo: Justin Henry

Last June, James Edward Carey was killed and Jared R. Hurley was seriously injured when they were allegedly shot by Bruce Silva. Manning is the seventh person charged in this case, but since he is a member of the Ute Indian Tribe, he will be tried in federal court. Manning was interviewed after the shootings, but his whereabouts are currently unknown.

The other individuals in this case, four men and two women, did not receive a federal indictment and will be tried in state court. They have all been charged with murder and attempted murder and are in the Uintah County jail awaiting trial.

In Utah State court, murder is usually a first-degree felony, but the level of charge can vary depending on what is filed by the prosecution. A first-degree felony murder conviction can carry a punishment of 15 years to life in prison.

When a person is charged with murder, they are actually being charged with one kind of homicide. Homicide covers all types of wrongful death situations. Homicide is the “umbrella” under which murder, manslaughter, negligent homicide, et cetera fall.

If you or a loved one has been charged with any type of crime, you need to contact a Utah criminal defense attorney immediately. It is important to have an attorney who can advise you of your rights and speak with law enforcement on your behalf. You needn’t wait until you have been arrested and put in jail. Call a criminal defense attorney today.

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Attempted Murder During Yard Work in Utah

Oct
31
Utah Criminal Defense Blog, on the topic of  Hiring a Lawyer, Utah Crime News
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Most people aren’t normally worried about a neighbor committing attempted murder on them while they’re working in their yard. Unfortunately, a Utah man doing yard work was shot at by his neighbor and hit twice during what police are calling an attempted murder.

What Prompted the Attempted Murder?

Photo: Mike Finkelstein

Law enforcement isn’t sure what prompted Michael Selleneit to allegedly shoot repeatedly at his next door neighbor yesterday. Selleneit has apparently made many severe accusations against his neighbor over time, but police stated that there aren’t any suggestions that the accusations are true.

The victim was seriously injured in the shooting. Police stated that Selleneit is believed to be the shooter and will be booked into jail on attempted murder charges. Also, Selleneit is not supposed to be using firearms, a consequence from past criminal activity.

Hopefully, the victim won’t die from his injuries. A loss of life is never a good thing, especially for the victim and his family. This situation does make you wonder what was going through the alleged shooter’s mind at the time of the incident. If Selleneit is indeed the shooter, he will be in need of a very good Utah criminal defense attorney.

Possible Legal Consequences of Attempted Murder

Attempted murder is a generally a first-degree felony and carries a potential penalty of three years to life in prison. Murder can be a first-degree felony or a capital offense, depending on the circumstances surrounding the crime, and the penalty can vary considerably depending on the case’s outcome.

Protect Yourself by Hiring an Attorney

We don’t know any more particulars of the situation at this point, but we do know that anyone accused of a crime should engage legal counsel on his or her behalf. Law enforcement will be looking for someone to shoulder the blame, so you should look for a criminal defense attorney who will do his best to stand up for your rights.

You don’t have to be facing an attempted murder charge to hire an attorney. You need to protect yourself by having a Utah criminal defense attorney who will provide you with a vigorous defense, regardless of the charges against you.

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Utah Man Faces Murder Charges in His Father’s Death

Oct
08
Utah Criminal Defense Blog, on the topic of  Crimes, Utah Law
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A Salt Lake City, Utah man is facing murder, robbery, and obstruction of justice charges in association of allegedly killing his own father. William Chad Seager told police that he pushed his father William M. Seager down the stairs causing a head injury. Several hours after Seager pushed his father down the stairs, he left for Wendover but when he returned the next morning he called 911 after he found his father dead.

It is unknown whether Mr. Seager enjoyed the Rainbow Rainforest Buffet, Peppermill’s Grand Buffet or Montego Bay’s Oceano Buffet in Wendover.

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Attempted Murder Using Peach Smoothie in Utah

Sep
19
Utah Criminal Defense Blog, on the topic of  Humor, Utah Crime News
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Creativity abounds everywhere, even by folks who are trying their hand at murder. Selena Irene York is currently sitting in an Oregon jail on a fugitive hold from Utah after recently pleading guilty to multiple identity theft and fraud charges in Oregon.

The History

Photo: Sara

York is accused of the attempted murder of Ed Zurbuchen, her former landlord in Vernal, Utah. In 2008, she allegedly purchased three smoothies from one location and a gallon of antifreeze from another location. The allegations state that she returned home and poured out half of one smoothie and had her teenage daughter fill the cup back up with antifreeze. York supposedly then gave the antifreeze-laced drink to Zurbuchen, who was later taken to a local hospital apparently suffering from a stroke. It was later determined that Zurbuchen had been poisoned.

Result of a Guilty Verdict for Attempted Murder

York is expected to be back in Utah in the next couple of weeks to face the attempted murder charge awaiting her, a second-degree felony. In Utah, a guilty verdict on an attempted murder charge can send a person to prison for 15 years.

The Right Time to Hire an Attorney

First and foremost, the best course of action is not to attempt to murder anyone. However, some folks will ignore this advice and find themselves in a bad spot with law enforcement, anyway. If you are in legal trouble, you need to get competent legal representation immediately. Don’t settle for an average attorney, though. Hire an experienced Utah criminal defense attorney who has a proven record and reputation for defending his or her clients with vigor. Now is not the time to sit back and wait to see what happens. You should take care of yourself and make certain that your rights aren’t trampled on. Contact an attorney today.

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Homicide in Utah

Sep
16
Utah Criminal Defense Blog, on the topic of  Crimes
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Is there a difference between murder and homicide? Murder is actually one type of homicide. Chapter 5 of the Utah Criminal Code discusses what constitutes Offenses Against the Person, as well as the charges that go along with each particular crime.

With a few exceptions, criminal homicide is defined as causing the death of another human being, including an unborn child at any stage of its development, intentionally, knowingly or recklessly, with criminal negligence or acting with a particular mental state (which is otherwise specified in the statute).

Criminal homicide is:

• aggravated murder;
• murder;
• manslaughter;
• child abuse homicide;
• homicide by assault;
• negligent homicide; or
• automobile homicide.

Murder is a first-degree felony, while a person found guilty of aggravated murder may receive the death penalty. Manslaughter is a second-degree felony. Child abuse homicide committed recklessly is a first-degree felony; if the child abuse that results in a death is done with criminal negligence, the charge will generally be a second-degree felony.

Homicide by assault occurs when a person causes the death of another while intentionally or knowingly attempting, with unlawful force or violence, to do bodily injury to another. This type of homicide is a third-degree felony.

Negligent homicide is the result of a person acting with criminal negligence who causes the death of another individual. It is considered a class A misdemeanor. A Utah mother was recently charged with negligent homicide following the drowning death of her seven-month-old child. She alleged left the baby alone in bathwater for over 16 minutes.

Automobile homicide is frequently charged as a third-degree felony or second-degree felony, depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident (such as the accused’s use of alcohol or participating in texting, emailing, etc.).

Contact a Utah criminal defense attorney immediately if you have been charged with any crime, regardless of the circumstances surrounding the alleged crime. Don’t wait to get the legal help you need.

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Murder of Two-Month-Old Results in Prison Sentence

Sep
12
Utah Criminal Defense Blog, on the topic of  Criminal Defense Misc, Utah Crime News
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A 27-year-old Ogden woman has been sentenced to prison for the sleeping bag-smothering-death of one of her 2-month-old twin sons. Jewell Hendricks was given a 15-years-to-life prison sentence last week for first-degree murder, with the prosecution stating that in exchange for her guilty plea, they will write a letter to the state Board of Pardons and Parole asking that Hendricks serve 15 years. The judge noted that he will also write a letter to the Board requesting that Hendricks’ time already served while awaiting a resolution of the case be taken into account.

Photo: KeithBurtis

Hendricks’ attorney noted that, at the time of the murder, Hendricks was suffering from post-partum depression and was mentally unable to care for her twin sons. The prosecution stated that they know she had mental health issues, but she was still functioning and making choices knowing that there were consequences for her actions.

When mental health problems go untreated, some people may do things that they would never normally participate in, even committing murder. Mrs. Hendricks may well be one of those individuals, and we can only hope that she will receive appropriate care while in the prison system. Unfortunately, many inmates do not get the mental health treatment they need, either.

Call a Utah criminal defense attorney right away if you or a loved one are involved in a criminal case in this state. Don’t take chances when it comes to the justice system. Unresolved mental issues need to be taken into account, and a qualified, experienced attorney can make sure that the accused’s side of the story is not ignored.

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Life Sentence in Murder Over Ipod

Aug
31
Utah Criminal Defense Blog, on the topic of  Crimes
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It seems ironic that yesterday we discussed an attempted murder concerning a laptop, and today’s news is about a murder that occurred after a dispute over an Ipod. Electronics may be the straw that broke the camel’s back in both cases, but anger is the most likely culprit in these situations.

Photo: tonystl

Events Leading Up To Murder

In today’s case, 19-year-old Joshua Buie was sentenced to life in prison for his role in the shooting death of Stephen Lasiloo in 2009. The two were apparently involved in an altercation over a stolen Ipod at a party, which Lasiloo left early. Buie and two others left the party by car a short time later and found Lasiloo (who was walking with his sister and cousin). Court documents state that Buie asked the driver of the car to stop, at which point Buie got out of the car and allegedly shot Lasiloo in the chest multiple times.

Buie was 17-years-old at the time of the shooting, but was still charged as an adult. Buie did plead guilty to one count of murder, a first-degree felony, this past May. At his sentencing, the judge asked Buie if he was going to admit to being the shooter. Buie would not admit to having pulled the trigger.

Don’t Wait to Hire an Attorney

This is a sad case for everyone involved, as noted by the sentencing judge who acknowledged that there were no winners in this situation. We’re definitely not attempting to convict anyone here; in any dispute there is always more than one side to the story. That’s where an attorney comes in.

It is an attorney’s responsibility to protect your rights and be your mouthpiece with law enforcement and the court. In any criminal matter, don’t ever try to go it alone. You need and deserve a vigorous defense from a Utah criminal defense attorney who will go to bat for you. Call an attorney who will respect you and represent you well.

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Utahn Awaiting Sentence for Double Murder

Aug
17
Utah Criminal Defense Blog, on the topic of  Hiring a Lawyer, Utah Crime News
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Christian Sweeten pled guilty to two counts of murder yesterday in a Utah 3rd District courtroom. Originally charged with a capital crime, Sweeten was offered a plea deal by prosecutors which took him from possibly being sentenced to death to the possibility of serving life in prison. Prosecutors have said that they will recommend to the judge that Sweeten go to prison for 2 consecutive 20-year sentences. The judge in the case noted that she is not bound by the plea agreement’s sentencing suggestion. She also stated that if she chooses a different sentence, Sweeten will have the chance to withdraw his plea. Sweeten will be sentenced on September 30.

Events Leading to Murder

At the hearing, Sweeten admitted to shooting the two murder victims. The shooting allegedly occurred after the victims apparently gave him bad directions. Sweeten initially stated that he felt threatened by the two men, but since the victims were shot in the back, prosecutors argued that Sweeten could not have been responding in self defense. Sweeten’s fiancé stated that the two victims fired first, but no weapons were found with the two men who were shot.

First-Degree Murder vs. Aggravated Murder

In Utah, when a person is found guilty of aggravated murder, that individual is then eligible to receive the death penalty. First-degree murder, on the other hand, can send a person to prison for at least five years and possibly for life.

Death Penalty

Many people are death penalty advocates. Perhaps it’s the Biblical “eye for an eye” that they agree with. If you take that view, let’s hope you never find yourself in a tight situation where you make a bad choice. Along with the “eye for an eye” theory, if you hit another car maybe that driver should be allowed to smash into your car for your punishment. Does that seem excessive? Two wrongs don’t generally equal one right.

You may agree with the death penalty or you may think it’s not a civilized choice. The beauty of living in America is that you get to have your opinion. You can even argue your opinion with your legislators. Thankfully, if you get into legal trouble of any kind, you can be represented by a Utah criminal defense attorney who knows the law and will be your advocate in dealing with law enforcement and the judicial system. When you need help, call a Utah criminal defense attorney immediately and get your case on the right track.

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