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Houston County Courthouse Under Tight Security - Two Murder Trials -

Rickey Stokes

Viewed: 5188

Posted by: RStokes
Date: Sep 18 2017 9:03 AM

DOTHAN - HOUSTON COUNTY:  The Houston County Courthouse is under tight security today as two murder trials get underway.


Last week Houston County Sheriff Donald Valenza, personally, and courthouse Sheriff security were seen walking the courthouse and making plans and preparations for a complete secure facility that did not hamper the work to be done in the courthouse.


This morning Houston County Sheriff Donald Valenza was in full dress uniform and multiple officers were on hand in and around the courthouse.


A Sheriff Tahoe arrived and backed to the door and Karhon Davis was escorted into the back door of the building. 


Davis has been in the Houston County Jail for 10 years awaiting trial. That long wait has been much to the fault of Davis. But a brillant defense move on his behalf.


Not saying if Davis is guilty or not guilty, but he has fired multiple lawyers  throughout the 10 years he has been awaiting trial. And that is to Davis advantage. Because in a death penalty case it takes a long time for lawyers to prepare for the trial.


Davis was able to wait until Doug Valeska retired as District Attorney. Not many wanted to face Valeska in trial. Some of the death penalty laws have changed to Davis' favor. And in 10 years witnesses memory fade and their locations fade.


So 10 years in the county jail is much better than 10 years on death row or facing lethal injection. So all of those hollering, the moves on Davis are pretty smart defensive moves in his favor.


The Davis case will be before 20th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Kevin Moulton. While he has been the subject of critical comments, a judge is prohibited from making comments of pending cases. But the Judge has detailed in his orders why the case has prolonged and made it clear, crystal clear, the case going on is not his fault at all.


JUDGE BINFORD


20th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Butch Binford has a murder case on his docket. Defendant Starlin Knight is scheduled for trial this week. At this time it is not clear if all systems are go for his case to be tried.


JUDGES ANDERSON, CONAWAY, LEWIS, INGRAM, MENDHEIM


All have cases scheduled before them this week of criminal jury trials. So the courthouse will be a busy place today.


CIRCUIT CLERK CARLA WOODALL


Circuit Clerk Carla Woodall's car was seen bright and early this morning. One of her tasks is the management of the jury pool. With two murder cases, one being a death penalty case, there are many mandates which must be met legally in order to have an adequate number of jurors.


Woodall was there early making sure all systems were go from her office perspective.




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