JOLIET, Ill. – In a Will County courtroom, Michael Clancy, the defense attorney for Anthony Maggio, fervently requested a new trial during the sentencing for the double homicide of Ashtin Eaton and her infant daughter, Hazel Bryant. The request followed Maggio’s conviction of first-degree murder by a 12-person jury on Oct. 11. Maggio, who had a romantic relationship with Eaton after meeting her at an Amazon warehouse in Joliet where they both worked, was sentenced on charges tied to their deaths.
Clancy based his plea on the exclusion of crucial defense evidence that he claimed could implicate Eaton’s ex-husband, Jordan Eaton, as the real perpetrator. He argued that Jordan Eaton had both motive and opportunity, citing an incident two weeks prior to the murders when Ashtin allegedly vowed to prevent her sister Jessica from staying at Jordan’s house following an argument. Additional evidence that Clancy wished presented included a witness account from neighbor Crystal Smith, who claimed to observe Jordan leaving his house the night before the murders and noted the absence of his work truck the following morning.
The defense’s motion for a new trial highlighted the amendment of Jordan Eaton’s DNA, which was found to not match the DNA at the crime scene—a fact underscored by prosecutor Christopher Koch during the trial. Koch argued that the evidence against Jordan Eaton was speculative and his potential involvement was dismissed too early in the investigation. The court ultimately sided with the prosecution, stating that the supposed evidence brought forth was too remote to warrant a new trial.
During the proceedings, Clancy contended that the denial to admit Jordan’s potential involvement denied Maggio the right to a full defense under the 6th Amendment, which includes the right to confront one’s accuser. Clancy posited that the exclusion of these details effectively restricted the defense’s ability to challenge the prosecution’s narrative and critique the police investigation’s thoroughness.
In an emotionally charged atmosphere, the courtroom saw tensions flare when Jordan Eaton allegedly confronted Clancy, leading to a stern warning from the judge regarding proper decorum.
In a final statement before the sentencing, Maggio proclaimed his innocence and expressed his resolve to overturn the conviction, invoking divine justice. He highlighted the tragedy of the deaths but reiterated his claim of wrongful conviction, to the distress of Eaton and Bryant’s friends and family present in court.
Responding to the sentencing, Lockport Police Chief Rich Harang expressed his relief at the outcome, stressing that while justice for Ashtin and Hazel does not alleviate the deep loss, the sentencing ensures that Maggio will face the consequences of his actions. He commended the collaborative efforts of the law enforcement teams and prosecutors in bringing the case to resolution.
Anthony Maggio received two life sentences without the possibility of parole, concluding a case that has captivated and troubled the Lockport community.
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