Jackson Free Press

The prosecution decided not to bring a rebuttal witness, instead electing to submit another police report instead. (Details of police report to come.) The prosecution rested. The judge announced that final arguments will be at 10 a.m. Thursday. At 8:30 a.m., the judge and attorneys for both sides will meet to discuss final details of the judge's jury instructions.

Previous Comments

ID

127821

Comment

You know, I considered the possibility that Melton may only be found guilty of malicious mischief and just get 3-5 years. Either way it goes, he would still have to resign. I think the bodyguards could get more time since they physically did more damage than Melton did.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-04-25T17:17:02-06:00

ID

127822

Comment

I hope they don't try to do what Wayne Michael Trent did: He was being arraigned in this case on charges of criminal impersonation, possession of false police identification and identity theft when he ran from the courtroom just before being taken into custody (watch KPTV video). A sheriff’s office deputy chased him into a hallway and shocked him with a Taser. Trent then fell to the ground and asked for his mother, sheriff’s office officials said.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-04-25T17:25:28-06:00

ID

127823

Comment

LW, I seem to remember Melton using false (fraudulently aquired) police id in obtaining a permit to cary a concealed weapon in DC. Sounds like what you quoted above. Any idea if there are plans by the FED to pursue charges on that level? They should, even if FM is found guilty here!

Author

kdbstlrfan1

Date

2007-04-25T19:41:22-06:00

ID

127824

Comment

And also, if he's a known abuser of alcohol (or drugs), he can't legally have a concealed carry permit in the state of MS. If he is an abuser of drugs/alcohol, and he has a carry permit.... there is one count of perjury right there. lc

Author

LawClerk

Date

2007-04-25T19:49:12-06:00

ID

127825

Comment

I thought about the false ID thing too. Forgot to bring that up.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-04-25T19:59:10-06:00

ID

127826

Comment

Does his mother claim him??

Author

Danno

Date

2007-04-25T22:26:16-06:00

ID

127827

Comment

Here's what I want to know: What's with Melton's skin head haircut? Has his hair always looked like that?

Author

jasp

Date

2007-04-26T02:03:23-06:00

ID

127828

Comment

About the family thing. None of his family was here. You would think that at least one family member, maybe even a cousin, would be here to support frank. That is truely showing how his own family feels about him. Why do you think he is here and not in Texas. They didn't want him so we got him!

Author

kdbstlrfan1

Date

2007-04-26T06:01:19-06:00

ID

127829

Comment

jasp... Oh yeah, Melton has got the "good hair" Just as you could say, Jim Hood has some "good hair" ;-)

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-04-26T06:29:35-06:00

ID

127830

Comment

I believe both of Melton's parents are deceased. He has a brother. His sister-in-law was in the balcony according to the C-L. I was shocked to read in today's C-L that the reporters thought the Sheriff's cordiality was renewed friendship. Our Sheriff is always quite cordial. He is accustomed to dealing with all types of characters and certainly has always behaved as a good Christian man in my presence. I can only mark their "Analysis" up to created controversy. They also spoke of the long standing lack of cooperation between the County and the City and offered as proof the questioning of two JPD personnel by the DA's office. My goodness, when can a DA's office not question other County personnel? Just because they draw their paycheck from the same treasury does not exempt them from doing their job. Based on that premise, every department could become corrupt and no one could question anyone..... Our main print media, assisted by some of the TV reporting, has created the problems we now are suffering and they still cannot see their part in it. When the books are written on this era the JFP will come through like a beacon of truth. The Defense Team for Melton, et al, certainly recognized the truth telling of the JFP (and its 'bloggers') and showed their fear of this truth.

Author

ChrisCavanaugh

Date

2007-04-26T06:55:25-06:00

ID

127831

Comment

Danks, when you do your closing today, remember that the jurors are smart, and while you can talk till your more tan in the face about intent, it doesn't matter. I really expected more from you from the last time Melton was on trial, and you had a nice little blurb in the CL about one of the witnesses... "You can imagine what I was gonna do to him on the stand" Hahahahaha... well, I watched this entire trial. Pathetic.

Author

LawClerk

Date

2007-04-26T07:01:15-06:00

ID

127832

Comment

Closing arguments are beginning on wapt.com. Prosecutors have said they will take about 20 minutes, defense wants 30 minutes.

Author

LawClerk

Date

2007-04-26T09:01:32-06:00

ID

127833

Comment

Look at em giving the jury his "puppy dog" eyes... So, sad! Waaaa!

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-04-26T09:04:04-06:00

ID

127834

Comment

I'm still saying that if it doesn't end in a hung jury, it will be a conviction on at least one count.

Author

LawClerk

Date

2007-04-26T09:04:57-06:00

ID

127835

Comment

Well, the "definition" of malicious is stated so that they should be able to convict. There was no "evil intent" included.

Author

kdbstlrfan1

Date

2007-04-26T09:17:45-06:00

ID

127836

Comment

Yeah, but... can't you also presume that from his actions he had intent? I know, that if I take a loaded gun, point it at someone, and pull the trigger, regardless of my 'intent' to hurt someone, the action that I took presumes intent to do bodily harm. Because that's what happens!

Author

LawClerk

Date

2007-04-26T09:27:47-06:00

ID

127837

Comment

Yes, and its not like they accidently discharged their sledge hammers and sticks!

Author

kdbstlrfan1

Date

2007-04-26T09:33:05-06:00

ID

127838

Comment

If they are convicted, who decides and how do they decide the punnishment. Can you tell I am not real familiar with the court system?

Author

kdbstlrfan1

Date

2007-04-26T09:35:21-06:00

ID

127839

Comment

Look at em giving the jury his "puppy dog" eyes... So, sad! Waaaa! Posted by: pikersam on Apr 26, 07 | 10:04 am [img]http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/pic/153/999243~Shrek-2-Puss-N-Boots-Posters.jpg[/img]

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-04-26T09:43:33-06:00

ID

127840

Comment

the CL has a pic of Melton and his Wife coming in for the trial this morning.. Link to C-L I wonder why she's not wearing her ring?

Author

LawClerk

Date

2007-04-26T09:44:01-06:00

ID

127841

Comment

Does his mother claim him?? Danno, when the man was yelling, "Mom! Mom!" I can't remember if she answered back. When a reporter interviewed her afterwards, she said something to the effect that she can understand why he tried to run because he was scared. It was weird, though. He acted like he was about to let the officer cuff him, he got this weird look in his eyes, and he just slid past everyone and took off like a rocket. He did it so fast that it took a couple of seconds for the officers to start chasing him. He still had two tasers hanging out of him when they got him off the stairs and brought him back in. If you haven't already, go to the link and watch the tape.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-04-26T09:51:51-06:00

ID

127842

Comment

What a good observation LawClk. I hope someone in the media asks afterwards during the presser. Also, I wonder if the Defense will point her out during arguments in an attempt to remind them he has a family, a wife (rings?), and a home. Pull out all the stops.

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-04-26T09:53:40-06:00

ID

127843

Comment

WOW, she does not look happy to in Jackson, MS.

Author

kdbstlrfan1

Date

2007-04-26T09:57:10-06:00

ID

127844

Comment

The CL is listing that just about every Melton hired City felon... I mean... employee is there including Bob H., Armstrong and Robert Williams. Funny how convicted felons stay together. They should all be fired for wasting our money by not taking personal days. This trial has absolutely nothing to do with their jobs except maybe Ward and P-Weaver who may need to be near-by for City stuff. I hope the new mayor docks their pay based on time spend carrying Melton's coat-tails everywhere he went outside City business.

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-04-26T10:01:31-06:00

ID

127845

Comment

WLBT has live footage on TV right now. Now I can watch some of this.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-04-26T10:02:57-06:00

ID

127846

Comment

This is sad that Dr. Melton has become the "Wife for Criminal Relief." This is such a game and I know she must feel the embarrassment knowing that people, even in Russia are watching her "husband's" lawyer prove that the folks in MS are still in the Stone Age and elected a mayor who is governs like the Wild, Wild West. Another sad thing is that all of the people being oppressed are African-Americans. So, I guess it would be proper and fitting to say that frank-ie is a mr. charl-ie. This is plantation mentality at its best!

Author

justjess

Date

2007-04-26T10:08:05-06:00

ID

127847

Comment

FM having his wife (?) there is even more sad. She looks more like one of his bodyguards than a wife. First of all, in crisis most of us will hold our partners hand as a sign of support. I agree, she doesn't look very excited about being "brought" in here. I know he's on trial but what about a support smile. I also noticed there are no wedding rings on her hand---just an observation. Can someone say "staged".!

Author

maad

Date

2007-04-26T10:11:08-06:00

ID

127848

Comment

I want a standard issue sledge hammer. Do I need to be a meltonite to get one?

Author

kdbstlrfan1

Date

2007-04-26T10:11:46-06:00

ID

127849

Comment

It feels weird hearing the F-word on channel 3.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-04-26T10:19:05-06:00

ID

127850

Comment

Interesting how they are using the fact that Welch was there to prove there to prove the "malice" part of it... I like this prosecutor.

Author

LawClerk

Date

2007-04-26T10:20:16-06:00

ID

127851

Comment

this guy is struggling with his demonstrative exhibits

Author

Ole Miss Alum

Date

2007-04-26T10:28:22-06:00

ID

127852

Comment

I guess the defense has decided that it is now legal to commit burglary of a crack house. HMMMMMMMM, burglary of anything is illegal if I remember right.

Author

kdbstlrfan1

Date

2007-04-26T10:28:28-06:00

ID

127853

Comment

This guy is a MORON! He should have let someone else do his closing!

Author

kdbstlrfan1

Date

2007-04-26T10:30:07-06:00

ID

127854

Comment

Smith looks like an amateur with that big poster board. He has been struggling with it for awhile. Whereare the easels?

Author

Fitz

Date

2007-04-26T10:33:49-06:00

ID

127855

Comment

I have to say he is pretty disorganized.

Author

Ole Miss Alum

Date

2007-04-26T10:34:21-06:00

ID

127857

Comment

I don't think he could operate the easel.

Author

Ole Miss Alum

Date

2007-04-26T10:34:47-06:00

ID

127856

Comment

Fitz, he can't get the easel set up right, so he put it on the ground.... Terrible.

Author

LawClerk

Date

2007-04-26T10:34:48-06:00

ID

127858

Comment

OleMiss - "I work really hard cuz I'm no fun!" bwong!

Author

LawClerk

Date

2007-04-26T10:35:33-06:00

ID

127859

Comment

Oh Lord. This is tough to watch.

Author

Ole Miss Alum

Date

2007-04-26T10:35:45-06:00

ID

127860

Comment

Jury is distracted by his bumbling.

Author

Fitz

Date

2007-04-26T10:36:14-06:00

ID

127861

Comment

Baaaayaaaaaaaa!!!

Author

Ole Miss Alum

Date

2007-04-26T10:36:18-06:00

ID

127862

Comment

He has absolutely no inflection in his voice... contrast that with the ADA....

Author

LawClerk

Date

2007-04-26T10:36:55-06:00

ID

127863

Comment

Object to the high crime statement!

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-04-26T10:38:30-06:00

ID

127864

Comment

"Brave men with good hearts." Is that why they let kids tear the house up? What a punk!

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-04-26T10:39:58-06:00

ID

127865

Comment

His whole closing seems to be out of line and slapped together in about 2 minutes.

Author

Ole Miss Alum

Date

2007-04-26T10:39:58-06:00

ID

127866

Comment

2 minutes??? Why are you being so generous today? Sleep well last night?!??! :D

Author

LawClerk

Date

2007-04-26T10:40:48-06:00

ID

127867

Comment

I hope Recio and Wright didn't pay too much for this guy.

Author

Ole Miss Alum

Date

2007-04-26T10:40:51-06:00

ID

127868

Comment

What does single mothers have to do with this? Trying to appeal to a female majority, huh?

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-04-26T10:40:54-06:00

ID

127869

Comment

You Mr. Smith and Melton are the only ones insulting anyone intelligence!

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-04-26T10:41:22-06:00

ID

127870

Comment

Yeah, but it only takes one ignorant sympathizer to set Melton free.

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-04-26T10:43:01-06:00

ID

127871

Comment

This guy is doing better.

Author

Ole Miss Alum

Date

2007-04-26T10:46:44-06:00

ID

127872

Comment

Yep.. he's doing MUCH better...

Author

LawClerk

Date

2007-04-26T10:48:17-06:00

ID

127873

Comment

I thought guessing was not allowed in the deliberations!

Author

kdbstlrfan1

Date

2007-04-26T10:49:24-06:00

ID

127874

Comment

I'll give Recio a fair shot at walking.

Author

Ole Miss Alum

Date

2007-04-26T10:50:30-06:00

ID

127875

Comment

Recio walks.

Author

LawClerk

Date

2007-04-26T10:50:35-06:00

ID

127876

Comment

Hahaha.. nice OleMiss.... same time!

Author

LawClerk

Date

2007-04-26T10:51:08-06:00

ID

127877

Comment

LawClerk, stop reading my mind!!! Baaaaayaaaaaa!!!

Author

Ole Miss Alum

Date

2007-04-26T10:51:18-06:00

ID

127878

Comment

Ooooh... threw Melton under the bus just then: "He's his bodyguard... anywhere Melton goes, Recio goes"

Author

LawClerk

Date

2007-04-26T10:53:27-06:00

ID

127879

Comment

Come on Danks... thrill me with your closing. Convince me he's not guilty.

Author

LawClerk

Date

2007-04-26T10:54:19-06:00

ID

127880

Comment

Dammit!! Danks isn't doing the closing.

Author

Ole Miss Alum

Date

2007-04-26T10:55:21-06:00

ID

127881

Comment

It's funny how Thompson says he can't say something while he's saying what he can't say.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-04-26T10:55:30-06:00

ID

127882

Comment

Did someone just clap, or was I hearing things?

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-04-26T10:57:05-06:00

ID

127883

Comment

L.W. That was pretty smooth.

Author

Fitz

Date

2007-04-26T10:57:40-06:00

ID

127884

Comment

Who is evan thompson?

Author

kdbstlrfan1

Date

2007-04-26T10:59:12-06:00

ID

127885

Comment

I have to say Coxwell isn't doing a bad job, but I would have rather heard Danks give a sermon.

Author

Ole Miss Alum

Date

2007-04-26T11:01:30-06:00

ID

127886

Comment

Did someone just clap, or was I hearing things? LW I bet that was Stephanie Parker Weaver

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-04-26T11:02:48-06:00

ID

127887

Comment

He looks like Scarecrow from Batman.

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-04-26T11:03:32-06:00

ID

127888

Comment

Oh hell yea.

Author

Ole Miss Alum

Date

2007-04-26T11:06:47-06:00

ID

127889

Comment

Love the cufflinks.

Author

Ole Miss Alum

Date

2007-04-26T11:08:29-06:00

ID

127890

Comment

LawClerk you need some of Danks' self tanner.

Author

Ole Miss Alum

Date

2007-04-26T11:10:33-06:00

ID

127891

Comment

I know... with my pasty self.... It's unreal how Danks is arguing ZERO facts, but straight emotion. "Who are the real victims? The users of crack!" Um... yeah? We have laws to deal with that "bro."

Author

LawClerk

Date

2007-04-26T11:11:45-06:00

ID

127892

Comment

Oh thats why i love it. Its the sermon.

Author

Ole Miss Alum

Date

2007-04-26T11:12:41-06:00

ID

127893

Comment

OleMiss.... 24/7... TWENTYFOURSEVEN. It's time to STOP this illegal activity....

Author

LawClerk

Date

2007-04-26T11:13:23-06:00

ID

127894

Comment

Hmm....How many people still believe in the integrity of the JPD?

Author

Fitz

Date

2007-04-26T11:13:33-06:00

ID

127895

Comment

LOL. Clear the courtroom. The judge needs get control of those people clapping.

Author

Ole Miss Alum

Date

2007-04-26T11:14:54-06:00

ID

127896

Comment

Come on Stanley. Keep it up.

Author

Ole Miss Alum

Date

2007-04-26T11:15:35-06:00

ID

127897

Comment

Nice Roosevelt quote.

Author

Ole Miss Alum

Date

2007-04-26T11:17:33-06:00

ID

127898

Comment

Go Stanley!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Author

kdbstlrfan1

Date

2007-04-26T11:19:18-06:00

ID

127899

Comment

I like Stanley!!!!!! Get'em Stan!!!

Author

Fitz

Date

2007-04-26T11:20:46-06:00

ID

127900

Comment

Stanley is getting it back on track about the law.

Author

Ole Miss Alum

Date

2007-04-26T11:22:13-06:00

ID

127901

Comment

He's good... see, He is arguing the facts and the law. Both are on his side. Danks has NOTHING. However, the clapping gives me chills. And not in a good way. I think Recio is going to walk, and Melton now.... well... I'm having second thoughts about my one conviction thought....

Author

LawClerk

Date

2007-04-26T11:22:18-06:00

ID

127902

Comment

I think Recio might walk, but as long as Stanley stays on track and keeps it simple, I think Melton and Wright are going down.

Author

Ole Miss Alum

Date

2007-04-26T11:24:18-06:00

ID

127903

Comment

Stanley is doing a great job. At least one conviction on each defendant based on his rebuttal.

Author

kdbstlrfan1

Date

2007-04-26T11:26:06-06:00

ID

127904

Comment

OleMiss- We'll see... I surely hope Melton doesn't walk. I was very sure that he would be convicted on one count, but, I'm thinking now the jury might be swayed by the antics of the courtroom and not necessarily the arguments.

Author

LawClerk

Date

2007-04-26T11:26:25-06:00

ID

127905

Comment

Who is COUGHING?! Get away from the mike.

Author

Fitz

Date

2007-04-26T11:30:51-06:00

ID

127906

Comment

One count for Melton and Recio. Two counts for Marcus.

Author

Fitz

Date

2007-04-26T11:37:24-06:00

ID

127907

Comment

I think Alexander pulled one of Thompson's tricks by mentioning the teenage boys. Coxwell was furious. Oh well. :-)

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-04-26T11:41:09-06:00

ID

127908

Comment

Stanley did an excellent job. He was alittle to calm for my taste, however, he was sincere, on point, and thorough. Rebutted or refuted most of the bullshit presented by the defense for the purpose of seeking sympathy, emotion, forgiveness and understanding. Thompson had a big presence, too. If the State loses, it won't be Staney's fault. I expect a guilty verdict on something if not all charges, and I would be literally shocked if I hear not guilty verdicts on all counts. They would have to be based on something besides the evidence.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-04-26T11:46:49-06:00

ID

127909

Comment

Ray, I think Alexander got the jury's attention better by being calm.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-04-26T11:57:55-06:00

ID

127910

Comment

You're probably right, LW. He was there looking at them and able to guage their demeanor, expectation and idiosyncrasies, not me. I just wanted him to be overwhelming and so powerful that no doubt is left about the guilt of those three.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-04-26T12:07:13-06:00

ID

127911

Comment

I know, Ray, but I think that stuff has played out. Danks had already tried to turn the case into a Lifetime movie since there's a female majority.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-04-26T14:54:37-06:00

ID

127912

Comment

I agree L.W., I think the jury needed the gears to be shifted in order to keep their attention. He began by saying he wasn't a politician but he knew the difference between right and wrong. Than kinda put the defense's arguments into perspective.

Author

thetruth

Date

2007-04-26T15:42:12-06:00

ID

127913

Comment

Danks had already tried to turn the case into a Lifetime movie since there's a female majority. Hilarious, L.W. ;-)

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-26T15:44:22-06:00