Judge denies second recusal motion in Christian-Newsom murdersBy ALEXIS ZOTOS
Posted: Aug 21, 2012 4:57 AM
Updated: Aug 21, 2012 10:06 AM
KNOXVILLE (WATE) - Senior Judge Jon Kerry Blackwood on Monday denied a second motion by the state to recuse himself in the Christian-Newsom murders case.
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The state filed a new recusal motion for Judge Blackwood on July 24.
In court Monday, Assistant District Attorney Leland Price asked if reasonable people can have doubts about Judge Blackwood's impartiality. "They certainly can," Price said.
The ADA also discussed Blackwood's use of email to shield the media and said the "secrecy and deception" puts his impartiality into question.
No matter Judge Blackwood's ruling, "Your honor can't be trusted, even if in our favor," Price said, adding that the judge's actions undermine public confidence in these proceedings and the integrity of the court.
Attorney Tom Dillard, who represents George Thomas, said the retrials were "properly granted." He said if the state wasn't happy with the decision, maybe it's not used to losing.
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Next, Letalvis Cobbins' attorney, Kim Parton, told Judge Blackwood her client wants her off the case.
Judge Blackwood denied the state's motion to recuse, but has not issued a ruling on Cobbins' request.
Parton is not to have any contact with Cobbins until Judge Blackwood makes his ruling.
The Newsom and Christian families filled the two front rows of the courtroom Monday, and they were upset by Judge Blackwood's decision.
"I cannot, will not, let that man set on my daughter's trials, not without a war. I can't do it. He ain't made a rational decision since I saw him," said Gary Christian, Channon's father.
The Newsoms said Monday was their 283rd time at court. <SNIP>
Special prosecutor John Gill said the District Attorney's office is consulting with the Attorney General about
whether to appeal today's decision. They intend to make that decision by next week.
....more at linkhttp://www.wate.com/story/19321215/judg ... om-murders