Matthew Shepard Killer Wants Sentence Reduced - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Janice · 06-14-2004, 02:28 PM

Gay Student's Killer Wants Sentence Reduced

Man Who Killed Matthew Shepard Says He Was Denied Proper Legal Aid

LARAMIE, Wyo. (June 13) - The lawyer for one of the men convicted of murdering gay college student Matthew Shepard says his client was denied effective legal assistance during trial. Russell Henderson's lawyer has filed a motion alleging Henderson's rights were violated because public defenders did not tell him of the rights he would lose and those he would keep if he pleaded guilty.

Henderson, who is serving two life sentences, pleaded guilty in 1999 to felony murder and kidnapping to avoid a possible death sentence.

Lawyer Tim Newcomb, who did not handle Henderson's defense at trial, had earlier filed a motion saying his client's rights were violated after he pleaded guilty because the defense team allegedly did not discuss his right to appeal within 30 days.

Newcomb is seeking to have Henderson's sentence reduced.

A state district judge will hold a hearing on Newcomb's motion Tuesday in Laramie.

According to authorities, Henderson and Aaron McKinney, both 21, kidnapped, pistol-whipped, robbed and left Shepard tied to a fence outside Laramie in October 1998. The 21-year-old died five days later in a hospital from massive head injuries.

Police said the two attacked Shepard because he was gay and to rob him.

Henderson admitted driving the University of Wyoming student to the area and tying him to the fence, but said he tried to prevent McKinney from inflicting a more severe beating. McKinney's attorney said Henderson's story was fabricated.

McKinney was convicted by a jury and also received two consecutive life sentences.

The crime drew worldwide condemnation and led to demands for stronger hate-crime laws around the country.

Russell Henderson, left, and Aaron McKinney were convicted of killing Matthew Shepard in 1998.

Rhiannon · 06-14-2004, 02:47 PM

That's horrible...I watched The Matthew Shepard Story with Stpckard Channing. It was sad.

Dean Winchester · 06-14-2004, 03:56 PM

does the guy know if he gets out, there are plenty of gay extremists out there who would kill him? At least he doesn't have to fear for his life while in jail.

ABlairican Pie · 06-14-2004, 08:37 PM

Wants his sentence reduced on a technicality?? Dream on, jailbait.

06-14-2004, 02:28 PM	#1
Janice Retired Admin - Hollywood Swingin' Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 03, 2001 Location: Beantown Posts: 36,388	Matthew Shepard Killer Wants Sentence Reduced Gay Student's Killer Wants Sentence Reduced Man Who Killed Matthew Shepard Says He Was Denied Proper Legal Aid LARAMIE, Wyo. (June 13) - The lawyer for one of the men convicted of murdering gay college student Matthew Shepard says his client was denied effective legal assistance during trial. Russell Henderson's lawyer has filed a motion alleging Henderson's rights were violated because public defenders did not tell him of the rights he would lose and those he would keep if he pleaded guilty. Henderson, who is serving two life sentences, pleaded guilty in 1999 to felony murder and kidnapping to avoid a possible death sentence. Lawyer Tim Newcomb, who did not handle Henderson's defense at trial, had earlier filed a motion saying his client's rights were violated after he pleaded guilty because the defense team allegedly did not discuss his right to appeal within 30 days. Newcomb is seeking to have Henderson's sentence reduced. A state district judge will hold a hearing on Newcomb's motion Tuesday in Laramie. According to authorities, Henderson and Aaron McKinney, both 21, kidnapped, pistol-whipped, robbed and left Shepard tied to a fence outside Laramie in October 1998. The 21-year-old died five days later in a hospital from massive head injuries. Police said the two attacked Shepard because he was gay and to rob him. Henderson admitted driving the University of Wyoming student to the area and tying him to the fence, but said he tried to prevent McKinney from inflicting a more severe beating. McKinney's attorney said Henderson's story was fabricated. McKinney was convicted by a jury and also received two consecutive life sentences. The crime drew worldwide condemnation and led to demands for stronger hate-crime laws around the country. Russell Henderson, left, and Aaron McKinney were convicted of killing Matthew Shepard in 1998. Attached Images

06-14-2004, 02:47 PM	#2
Rhiannon oh, snap! Forum Fanatic Join Date: Jul 19, 2002 Location: middle of nowhere Posts: 11,097	That's horrible...I watched The Matthew Shepard Story with Stpckard Channing. It was sad.
	__________________ Nothing better the feeling is so fine Simply put I saw your love stream flow

06-14-2004, 08:37 PM	#4
ABlairican Pie Member Forum Superstar Join Date: Dec 12, 2001 Location: Living where cats reign more Supreme than a pizza. Posts: 31,619	Reduced sentence?? Wants his sentence reduced on a technicality?? Dream on, jailbait.
	__________________ Release the kitties. --Nathan Explosion

06-14-2004, 03:56 PM	#3
Dean Winchester Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Sep 28, 2003 Location: Louisville KY Posts: 14,803	does the guy know if he gets out, there are plenty of gay extremists out there who would kill him? At least he doesn't have to fear for his life while in jail.