Post by marion on Jun 12, 2006 17:43:38 GMT -5
2nd trial begins for man given death sentence
By Penny thingyerell
The Oklahoman
June 7, 2006
ADA - Jury selection begins today in the second murder trial of Glen Dale Gore, whose conviction and death sentence were overturned in August by the Court of Criminal Appeals.
Carter timeline
Judge says jury spoke 'loud and clear' as he sentences Sanchez to death
Gore, 46, is accused of first-degree murder in the 1982 rape and strangulation of Deborah Sue "Debbie" Carter, 21, a high school acquaintance who was seen shoving him away in the parking lot of the club where she worked hours before her death.
This will be the fourth murder trial endured by the victim's family in what has become a 23-year saga involving two wrongful convictions of other men, followed by Gore's 2003 conviction and death sentence, and now Gore's second chance in court.
The Court of Criminal Appeals ruled that Gore wasn't allowed to present evidence that others might have committed the crime, so he is entitled to a new trial.
The emotionally charged case prompted former Oklahoma County Assistant District Attorney Richard Wintory to leave his position as a prosecutor in Tucson, Ariz., and return to help prosecute Gore again.
Wintory said he promised the family he'd return if the case resurfaced. He served as lead prosecutor in the first trial and will join Pontotoc County Assistant District Attorney Chris Ross to prosecute him again.
At the same time, Norman defense attorney David Smith agreed to represent Gore free of charge.
Several of Carter's relatives will be in the courtroom, including the victim's mother, who plans to be there every day.
"They're just going to get to torture me again," said Carter's mother, Peggy Sanders of Ada, who attended the prior trials. "We're going to ask for the death penalty again and hope we get it again and just hope this will be the last time. I can't handle any more."
In 1988, jurors convicted Dennis Fritz and Ronald Williamson in Carter's death. Fritz was sentenced to life in prison; Williamson was sentenced to death. The two men remained behind bars for 12 years until DNA testing of forensic evidence exonerated them.
Williamson once came within five days of execution. He died in 2004 from liver disease.
Gore testified as a witness against Fritz and Williamson at their preliminary hearings. DNA testing later revealed that semen found on the victim had the same DNA profile as Gore's blood. Gore had previously been convicted on kidnapping and other related charges after his ex-wife testified he held her and her daughter hostage for six hours and fired shots at police.
By Penny thingyerell
The Oklahoman
June 7, 2006
ADA - Jury selection begins today in the second murder trial of Glen Dale Gore, whose conviction and death sentence were overturned in August by the Court of Criminal Appeals.
Carter timeline
Judge says jury spoke 'loud and clear' as he sentences Sanchez to death
Gore, 46, is accused of first-degree murder in the 1982 rape and strangulation of Deborah Sue "Debbie" Carter, 21, a high school acquaintance who was seen shoving him away in the parking lot of the club where she worked hours before her death.
This will be the fourth murder trial endured by the victim's family in what has become a 23-year saga involving two wrongful convictions of other men, followed by Gore's 2003 conviction and death sentence, and now Gore's second chance in court.
The Court of Criminal Appeals ruled that Gore wasn't allowed to present evidence that others might have committed the crime, so he is entitled to a new trial.
The emotionally charged case prompted former Oklahoma County Assistant District Attorney Richard Wintory to leave his position as a prosecutor in Tucson, Ariz., and return to help prosecute Gore again.
Wintory said he promised the family he'd return if the case resurfaced. He served as lead prosecutor in the first trial and will join Pontotoc County Assistant District Attorney Chris Ross to prosecute him again.
At the same time, Norman defense attorney David Smith agreed to represent Gore free of charge.
Several of Carter's relatives will be in the courtroom, including the victim's mother, who plans to be there every day.
"They're just going to get to torture me again," said Carter's mother, Peggy Sanders of Ada, who attended the prior trials. "We're going to ask for the death penalty again and hope we get it again and just hope this will be the last time. I can't handle any more."
In 1988, jurors convicted Dennis Fritz and Ronald Williamson in Carter's death. Fritz was sentenced to life in prison; Williamson was sentenced to death. The two men remained behind bars for 12 years until DNA testing of forensic evidence exonerated them.
Williamson once came within five days of execution. He died in 2004 from liver disease.
Gore testified as a witness against Fritz and Williamson at their preliminary hearings. DNA testing later revealed that semen found on the victim had the same DNA profile as Gore's blood. Gore had previously been convicted on kidnapping and other related charges after his ex-wife testified he held her and her daughter hostage for six hours and fired shots at police.