mistreated and mis-convicted

Defense attorney takes measures to protect client from being treated like the Ramseys.

By Larry Riley • November 19, 2008
Larry Riley: Real courtroom drama is not like on TV

"Nearly 60 local citizens, not counting spectators and assorted officials, jammed Delaware County Circuit Court 3 on Monday morning to be seated as prospective jurors in the Tony French murder trial this week.

French, accused of conspiring and aiding in the 1993 murder of his wife, Teresa, who was divorcing him, goes first, followed next month by alleged triggerman Jess Woods, whom prosecutors say carried out the shooting for $5,000.

[Defense attorney Steve] Smith was looking for jurors who wouldn't be afraid to tell the state they didn't make their case even if the true culprit isn't known: "I don't have to prove anything," he said.

To that end, he asked whether jurors believed O.J. Simpson was guilty of killing his ex-wife. Smith also brought up JonBenét Ramsey, the 6-year-old pushed by her Colorado parents into beauty pageantry and found murdered in the basement of her home in 1996. The parents were hounded as suspects, though just this year officially exonerated of any role in the child's death.
Smith wanted to know how can we make sure his client isn't mistreated and mis-convicted that way."