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Kansas Cases

The Death Penalty in Kansas…I've got Issues with that!

  Did you happen to miss KTWU's latest "I've Got Issues" program, when the death penalty in Kansas was discussed? Bummed you didn't get to see the interview with Sister Helen Prejean, author of "Dead Man Walking?" Disappointed that you missed our very own Mary Sloan and Ron Wurtz talk about the benefits of repealing the death penalty in Kansas?   Don't worry you can … [Read more...] about The Death Penalty in Kansas…I've got Issues with that!

Kansas Supreme Court Overturns Death Sentence in Cheever Case

  The Kansas Supreme Court unanimously overturned the death sentence and ordered a new trial for Scott Cheever today.   The death of Sheriff Matthew Samuels was a tragic loss for his family, Greenwood County and the Kansas law enforcement community. Our thoughts and prayers are with the many Kansans whose lives are impacted by this decision … [Read more...] about Kansas Supreme Court Overturns Death Sentence in Cheever Case

Lawrence Journal-World publishes in-depth account of Kansas felony exoneree

  Kansas is not immune to the problems that other states face within the justice system. The first Kansan exonerated through DNA evidence after serving time in a Kansas prison granted an exclusive look into the challenges he has faced since being punished for a crime for which he was innocent.   Of the more than 270 people in the United States exonerated by DNA … [Read more...] about Lawrence Journal-World publishes in-depth account of Kansas felony exoneree

Gavin Scott Moves off Death Row

Gavin Scott, sentenced to death in a 1996 double homicide, has reached a plea agreement that drops the death penalty and sentences him instead to two consecutive life sentences. His original sentence was overturned by the Kansas Supreme Court in May 2008 and he has been awaiting re-sentencing since that date. Scott will not be eligible for parole for at least 85 years. … [Read more...] about Gavin Scott Moves off Death Row

State to Seek Death Penalty in Aguirre Case

On March 22, 2010, the state of Kansas announced that it would seek the death penalty against Luis Aguirre in the October 2009 deaths of 18-year-old Tanya Maldonado and their son, 25-month-old Juan Maldonado. Aguirre, who has entered a plea of not guilty, has been held in the Riley County Jail since last October. This is the first time the death penalty has been sought in a … [Read more...] about State to Seek Death Penalty in Aguirre Case

Cheatham to Get New Sentencing Hearing

On February 22, 2010, Shawnee County District Court Judge Mark Braun issued a decision that will give Phillip Cheatham a new sentencing hearing. His attorney, Dennis Hawver, had testified at an earlier hearing that he believed he provided ineffective counsel. Hawver, who had never tried a capital case, stated that he hadn't talked to other defense attorneys about trying … [Read more...] about Cheatham to Get New Sentencing Hearing

Marsh Case Resolved in New Agreement

On Friday, April 3, 2009, in Wichita, Michael Marsh entered an Alford plea in regard to the charges pending against him. Marsh's capital murder conviction and aggravated arson conviction had been vacated by the State Supreme Court in 2004. Marsh entered a guilty plea to reduced charges. The plea was accepted by Judge Owens, and Marsh was sentenced to life in prison. The … [Read more...] about Marsh Case Resolved in New Agreement

Thurber Receives Death Sentence

On March 20, 2009, Cowley County District Judge Jim Pringle imposed a sentence of death on Justin Thurber, following the recommendation of the jury which had earlier convicted him of capital murder in the January 2007 death of Jodi Sanderholm. Pringle also sentenced Thurber to 176 months for aggravated kidnapping. The judge rejected a defense motion for a new trial, ruling … [Read more...] about Thurber Receives Death Sentence