Charles Moore Trial--Long Time Coming

The Charles Moore trial is the third local murder trial this month. Unlike the Leeth and Andrasik families who waited 17 months for some semblance of justice in the murders of their respective daughter and husband, the family of Bailey and Betty Nichols has been waiting over three years. The trial is also different since Moore is charged in a capital case, as well as the fact a defense attorney left the case, causing an extended delay.

D.K. has been present in the newly remodeled Lawrence County courtroom where the trial will now be entering its second week. Jury selection required three days in itself. It has been one of the most tedious trials in the area in years. The prosecution has stated there will absolutely no minor errors that could lead to any reversals on appeal. If convicted of Capital Murder, Moore will be entitled to an automatic appeal.

The trial was also interrupted abruptly on Thursday afternoon when the judge dismissed early due to possible bad weather. The prosecution now plans to call witnesses through Tuesday, probably into Wednesday. This promises to be the longest murder trial in recent history for Lawrence County.

According to D.K., the Nichols family has wide support, and the courtroom has been packed each day. Our sympathies to the family in the loss of parents who only contributed to the community in a positive manner.

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Rumors are rife in Franklin County that members of the Hershel Graham family plan some sort of protest, perhaps violent in nature, during the May sentencing of Hershel for the shooting of David Andrasik. This from a family that had supporters from those who saw the murder as simply self-defense. Franklin County law enforcement is prepared to quickly quash any violent outbursts from the Grahams. David's family is hoping for a sentence of 20 years.

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Speaking of rumors, there's talk of a lawsuit against two or three local bloggers who have accused several individuals of sexual impropriety and criminal acts, among other things. We've heard this talk before, and have even been asked to participate; however, it seems now someone has actually put up the money for the suit. We look forward to whatever justice such a suit will bring.

Shoalanda

Charles Moore/A Preview

Tuscumbia resident Charles Moore was the owner of J&M Cycles on Cox Boulevard in Sheffield. At the time of his arrest in December 2009, he had approximately forty dollars in his business  account. Moore was so far behind on his rent that the building's owners had threatened him with eviction.

Promising to bring his account up to date, Moore allegedly visited owners Bailey and Betty Nichols at their Hatton home where he murdered the couple. While robbery wasn't a primary motive, some documents pertaining to Moore's lease were later found in his possession. The now 64 year-old Sheffield businessman has denied any involvement in the murders and is currently being held without bond in Lawrence County on two counts of Capital Murder.

From D.K.:

A Pre-trial in Lawrence County - The Capital Murder Case of  Betty and Bailey Nichols who were murdered over 2 years 8 months ago at their Highway 157 home in the Hatton area was set for Sept. 10. A Defense Attorney asked to be excused because of some type of witness in the case. The judge had no choice but to appoint another Defense Attorney since Capital Murder cases have to have two Attorneys.  Charles Moore from Colbert is the defendant in this case. As I understand it at the time of the pre-trial hearing, Mr. Moore had been caught with contraband after his cell had been  searched. So now a very disappointing delay in the Justice System for the Nichols family. Please keep these wonderful people in your thoughts and prayers.

"Justice For All--Even The Victims"

We'll have some other extremely interesting reports from D.K. later in the week.

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Besides D.K.'s upcoming stories on crime and crime reporting in the Shoals, we have Bubba lined up to report on "Drinkin' & Drivin' in Shurfield" and a most intriguing tale of a mysterious attack on a family dog...or was it mysterious at all?

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Shoalanda