Grand Juries: Getting It Right or Wrong?

Some states don't use the grand jury system anymore, but Alabama is one that does. Like so much of our justice system, a grand jury seems to be a crap shoot. We've always heard it said that a good district attorney could get a grand jury to indict a ham sandwich, but is this always the case?

While it would seem rape and other sex crimes are the most difficult to get an indictment for, it would appear others have their problems as well. Demarcus Key shot at his intended victim seven times, didn't manage to hit him, but was indicted for Attempted Murder:

He Can't Shoot

Desmond Powers shot his ex-wife twice and was indicted for only Assault:

Desmond Powers

Maybe grand juries have more sympathy for those who shoot an ex-spouse?

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At 6:25 tonight, Andrew Reid Lackey gave up his life, after taking the life of a Limestone builder on Halloween night 2005. We don't know what his mindset was, but life on death row can't be easy. He reputedly stated he was sorry for his crime...something Tommy Arthur has never been.

Andrew Reid Lackey

Shoalanda

Desmond Powers/Vote Tuesday

Desmond & Renisha Powers

The above photo was obviously taken during happier times for Desmond Deshawn Powers and his now ex-wife Renisha McDaniel Powers. Witnesses say Desmond arrived at Renisha's home last Wednesday and began arguing with her over pictures posted on her Facebook account. Desmond then shot his ex-wife in the hip before fleeing. He turned himself in at the Florence Police station some hours later. At last report, Renisha Powers was still hospitalized in Huntsville.

Apparently Desmond Powers has no previous arrests, or at least none serious enough to be publicized. What kind of sentence can he expect? If convicted, Alabama law stipulates a sentence of 10 years to life. It's also a Class A felony, meaning Powers would receive no Correctional Incentive Time and, unless paroled, would serve his sentence day for day. At the other end of the scale, Renisha could be willing for the District Attorney's office to offer her ex-husband probation, probably on the condition he agrees to stay away from her in future.

In other words, at least the next ten years of 24 year-old Desmond Powers' life may very well depend on how forgiving his ex-wife is. Hell may have no fury like a woman shot?

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If you live in Alabama, you have the opportunity to vote in the run-off election next Tuesday. Not just an opportunity, but an obligation. If you care about your county and state's future, vote.

We have made no recommendation in the District 1 County Commission race in Lauderdale County, but wholeheartedly endorse Keith M. Collier Jr. for District 2. Good luck, Keith.



Shoalanda