By Peter Rossi, LAW WEEK COLORADO
Editor’s Note: Statewide trial reporter Peter Rossi rounds up today’s court news.
A Weld County District Court jury on Wednesday found John Paul Romero guilty of first degree felony murder and first degree burglary. Weld District Court Judge Dan Maus sentenced Romero to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Romero is accused of killing Luis Rocha last year in a failed home burglary.
http://www.greeleytribune.com/article/20090715/NEWS/907159985/1002/NONE&parentprofile=1001
Appeals Court: Proceed With Rape Case
The Colorado Court of Appeals ruled Wednesday that a special prosecutor needs to be appointed and charges filed against two men accused of raping Julie Stene in 2000. The Colorado District Attorney’s Council will submit the name of a special prosecutor to Arapahoe County District Court Judge Carlos Samour.
http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_12847579
Woman Testifies Against Ex-Boyfriend
Michelle Cawthra testified Wednesday that she falsified documents and created fake businesses so that her ex-boyfriend, Hysear Randell, could receive money in tax refunds to pay for his business ventures. Randell is on trial in Denver District Court on multiple violations. He claimed he thought the money was from Cawthra’s family trust fund.
http://www.denverpost.com/news/frontpage/ci_12846899
Pueblo Man’s Murder Trial Set
Robert Ferretti, of Pueblo, will go to a five-day trial starting Jan. 11 on first degree murder charges. Ferretti allegedly murdered Tiffany Britt Jarmon. Her blood was found in an SUV owned by Ferretti.
http://www.kdvr.com/news/sns-ap-ut–mancharged-utah,0,2516933.story
Grand Junction Career Criminal Gets 15 Years
Sereino Joe Martinez, a 55-year-old career criminal, was sentenced to 15 years in prison Wednesday for a third violent felony conviction in 31 years.
http://www.gjsentinel.com/hp/content/news/stories/2009/07/15/071609_3a_Martinez_sentenced.html?imw=Y
Capote’s Hearing Delayed
David Capote, charged in connection with a fight in January that led to the death of Sgt. First Class Richard Lopez, had his hearing delayed Wednesday. Capote will enter a plea Aug. 7.
http://www.steamboatpilot.com/news/2009/jul/16/david_capote_case_continued_again/
Have a trial you want to tell us about? Do you have questions about our future trial coverage? Send your queries to Peter Rossi at prossi@circuitmedia.com.
