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Updated: 6:22 PM Oct 9, 2009
Family concerned about revelations in Davidson case
New actions from accused killer Lemaricus Davidson's attorneys brings frustration and questions for Hugh and Mary Newsom.
Posted: 3:44 PM Oct 9, 2009Reporter: Mike McCarthy Email Address: mike.mccarthy@wvlt-tv.com |
Lemaricus Davidson
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KNOXVILLE, Tenn (WVLT) -- New actions from accused killer Lemaricus Davidson's attorneys brings frustration and questions for Hugh and Mary Newsom.
Davidson's the second of four suspects going to trial for the carjacking, rape, and murder of Christopher Newsom and girlfriend Channon Christian in January 2007.
The defense now wants all 46-counts Davidson faces tossed out. Attorney's say the Knox County Sheriff's Office violated Davidson's attorney-client privilege.
Mary Newsom, Chris Newsom's mother, says, "We were confused and still are confused."
Prominent Knoxville defense attorney Bruce Poston says, "This could be a real problem." Poston is not representing any of the clients in this case, but he used to represent Davidson's half-brother, Letalvis Cobbins.
The defense says the Sheriff's Office intercepted a letter Davidson wrote his attorneys about their strategy, copied it, then gave it to prosecutors. That, the defense says, has caused irreversible prejudice against Davidson.
Poston says, "They're monitoring the mail to make sure about safety, escapes, and all those kinds of things. But when it's a letter to a lawyer, that's prohibited."
He says it's unlikey the case will get dismissed.
"But I could see the defense saying, 'Ok. You can't strike the case, then get these prosecutors who know my strategy off the case.' "
Chris' Newsoms parents call it all a ploy by the Davidson's defenders.
Hugh Newsom, Chris' father, says, "For him to put some sort of strategy in that letter is a setup."
Davidson's attorneys also have raised new concerns about DNA evidence. The defense says it's latest tests have found DNA from two unknown men on Christian's undergarments.
Court documents show the tests ruled out Davidson and all other defendants in the case, nor does the DNA match Newsom.
Hugh Newsom says, "It raises concerns, but none of the issues pertain to Davidson."
Poston says, "It's more about where his DNA is and his fingerprints. That's going to be the key."
The Newsoms say they're just ready for trial, "and go back to normal way of life."
A hearing on the defense's motions is set for Oct. 15.
