Convicted

Attorney for Convicted Killer’s Parents Faces $500 Sanction Over Baseless Lawsuit, Vows to Continue Fight for Exoneration

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Naperville, Illinois – A federal judge has imposed a $500 penalty on an attorney representing the parents of Christopher Vaughn, a convicted killer. The judge determined that the attorney, Keith Altman, displayed “reckless indifference” by bringing baseless arguments in a recent lawsuit. However, Altman maintains that the judge’s decision was unwarranted and asserts that he will continue to advocate for Vaughn’s freedom and exoneration. In 2012, a jury in Will County found Vaughn guilty of murdering his wife, Kimberly, and their three children. The bodies were discovered in the family’s SUV parked along a secluded … Read more

Juror Handcuffed and Jailed After Admitting to Lying in Convicted Killer’s Resentencing Trial

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ORLANDO, Fla. – A juror in a high-profile murder trial found herself in handcuffs in court on Thursday after admitting to lying to the court. Kayla De Pena, 26, confessed to fabricating a story to avoid participating in the re-sentencing of convicted killer Bessman Okafor. De Pena initially told the judge in November that she had discussed the case with a friend, thereby compromising her ability to impartially consider the death sentence. However, on Thursday, she recanted her statement and claimed that she had never talked about the trial with anyone. Her admission led to … Read more

Former Justice of the Peace Convicted of Triple Murder Seeks New Death Penalty Trial, Citing Biased Judge and Inadequate Preparation

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TERRELL, Texas — Eric Williams, a former justice of the peace who committed a triple murder over a decade ago, is seeking a new death penalty trial, according to a court document. Williams alleges that his defense attorneys did not have sufficient time to prepare for trial or review the overwhelming evidence. He also claims that the judge was biased and that moving the case to Rockwall County did not provide him with a fair trial. In January 2013, Williams donned a tactical vest and black mask as he gunned down prosecutor Mark Hasse a … Read more