GIST: "State District Judge Matt Johnson Friday rejected a motion to drop capital murder charges against a Waco-area man who’s awaiting retrial in the fiery deaths of his two adopted sons more than 25 years ago. Defense attorney Walter "Skip" Reaves, filed a writ of habeas corpus last week asking the judge to dismiss the capital murder charges against Ed Graf, saying a re-trial amounted to subjecting Graf to double jeopardy. Reaves also argues that because files in the 26-year-old case are missing, it is impossible for the district attorney to provide discovery to the defense regarding evidence before going to trial, although Johnson did not rule on that question. Johnson dismissed the main issue, left Graf's bond at $1.5 million and said the trial would begin on May 19. Johnson did, however, order a special grand jury to be impaneled to consider a new indictment in the case after prosecutors said a previous grand jury was tainted because Reaves sent grand jurors a letter. Reaves responded that defense attorneys often send such letters." Graf was scheduled to go on trial on Feb. 3, but the trial was reset for May 19 during a closed-door meeting between Johnson, prosecutors and defense attorneys. Johnson also issued a gag order, barring prosecutors and defense attorneys from discussing the case."
The entire story can be found at:
http://www.kwtx.com/ourtown/home/headlines/Waco--Judge-Refuses-To-Dismiss-Capital-Murder-Charge-246588661.html?device=tablet
PUBLISHER'S NOTE:
Dear Reader. Keep your eye on the Charles Smith Blog. We are following this case.
I have added a search box for content in this blog which now encompasses several thousand posts. The search box is located near the bottom of the screen just above the list of links. I am confident that this powerful search tool provided by "Blogger" will help our readers and myself get more out of the site.
The Toronto Star, my previous employer for more than twenty incredible years, has put considerable effort into exposing the harm caused by Dr. Charles Smith and his protectors - and into pushing for reform of Ontario's forensic pediatric pathology system. The Star has a "topic" section which focuses on recent stories related to Dr. Charles Smith. It can be found at:
http://www.thestar.com/topic/
Information on "The Charles Smith Blog Award"- and its nomination process - can be found at:
http://smithforensic.blogspot.ca/2013/12/the-charles-smith-award-presented-to_28.html
I look forward to hearing from readers at:
hlevy15@gmail.com.
Harold Levy: Publisher; The Charles Smith Blog.
