| Updated: 3/11/2008 8:32 am |
Published: 3/10/2008 4:01 pm |
Convicted killer Kenneth Osburn won't get a new trial. His team of attorneys tried to persuade a judge to grant a new trial in the murder of Pine Bluff teen Casey Crowder. The strategy didn't work and for that her family is thankful. It was another trip to court for Melinda Crowder, one she hopes is the last. Attorneys for Kenneth Osburn, convicted of killing her daughter Casey, got a hearing for a new trial in Hamburg.
In court Monday afternoon, the defense claimed their witness was told by a coworker that a juror decided Osburn was guilty before the trial started. That coworker denied that on the stand saying the juror only stated support for the death penalty and was surprised to be selected for the jury.
Prosecutor Thomas Deen asked the judge to throw out the motion because the defense case was hearsay. The judge agreed.
"I'm very happy with the outcome of today's hearing," said Melinda Crowder.
So was the prosecutor in a brief comment.
"Well, a judge denied it. And I expect they will appeal," said Deen.
Osburn's attorney's say they plan to do just that, despite that Crowder says she's relieved.
"I am very pleased that we are not going to have to go through another trial because it would have been devastating for my family to have to do this again," said Crowder.
Osburn was convicted two months ago in the kidnapping and murder of Casey Crowder back in 2006. The jury could not decide whether to sentence him to the death penalty, so the judge gave him life without parole.
