Troy Allen Robinson is on trial in Shawnee County, Kansas for the stabbing of Oma Shannon Bennett in December of 2012. Recently, it was discovered that his defense attorney had a conflict of interest inasmuch as this case is concerned, and needed to bow out. Robinson now has a new defense attorney. Robinson's next court date is November 8, for a status hearing. All things considered, even the conflict of interest and the appointment of a new attorney, this is rather quick for a trial in which the defendant is charged with first degree murder.
It seems that there is a lot of angst among those who support instant gratification in terms of emotionally responsive justice for this murder victim. That is understandable, from a "feelings" related viewpoint, yet; actual justice cannot be administered in a quick manner simply to gratify the feelings of an angry mob. From the scant bit of information available about this case, there are two apparent problems; first, the evidence which led to the arrest, and second, the amount of preparation involved, connected to this case, prior to court dates in the past.
Local media in Kansas has not reported very much about the evidence that led to Robinson's arrest for murder. By all appearances, it seems that the police in Riley County arrested Robinson because of some statements he made to a third party, specifically, his mother, about having been involved in a crime. While this can probably be introduced during a motions hearing in a pinch, as circumstantial evidence, it is only hearsay. Without more solid evidence, an arrest warrant should not even have been granted. If that is truly all the prosecution has, and it should be hoped that it isn't, there is not much by which to actually connect the defendant to the crime. A guilty verdict under these circumstances could easily lead to a vacated decision or an appeal. It is important that justice be practiced according to the law, not mob mentality.
The second problem which does not appear completely understood by the courtroom crybabies is the need for all legal professionals involved in trying or hearing a case to be impartial. A conflict of interest in a criminal case, on the part of the judge, defense attorney, or the prosecuting attorney can lead to an improper verdict, either guilty or not guilty, and pervert justice. If either attorney, upon review of the facts pertinent to the case, discovers a conflict, the only professional thing to do is ask to be recused. After a new attorney is appointed, that attorney should be granted ample time to prepare the case or prepare the appropriate responses. Everyone is entitled to justice, not only those who can afford the most expensive private lawyers.
Has a motive been established for this murder?
Oma Shannon Bennett
It seems that there is a lot of angst among those who support instant gratification in terms of emotionally responsive justice for this murder victim. That is understandable, from a "feelings" related viewpoint, yet; actual justice cannot be administered in a quick manner simply to gratify the feelings of an angry mob. From the scant bit of information available about this case, there are two apparent problems; first, the evidence which led to the arrest, and second, the amount of preparation involved, connected to this case, prior to court dates in the past.
Local media in Kansas has not reported very much about the evidence that led to Robinson's arrest for murder. By all appearances, it seems that the police in Riley County arrested Robinson because of some statements he made to a third party, specifically, his mother, about having been involved in a crime. While this can probably be introduced during a motions hearing in a pinch, as circumstantial evidence, it is only hearsay. Without more solid evidence, an arrest warrant should not even have been granted. If that is truly all the prosecution has, and it should be hoped that it isn't, there is not much by which to actually connect the defendant to the crime. A guilty verdict under these circumstances could easily lead to a vacated decision or an appeal. It is important that justice be practiced according to the law, not mob mentality.
The second problem which does not appear completely understood by the courtroom crybabies is the need for all legal professionals involved in trying or hearing a case to be impartial. A conflict of interest in a criminal case, on the part of the judge, defense attorney, or the prosecuting attorney can lead to an improper verdict, either guilty or not guilty, and pervert justice. If either attorney, upon review of the facts pertinent to the case, discovers a conflict, the only professional thing to do is ask to be recused. After a new attorney is appointed, that attorney should be granted ample time to prepare the case or prepare the appropriate responses. Everyone is entitled to justice, not only those who can afford the most expensive private lawyers.
Has a motive been established for this murder?
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