RIP Officer Dulle
Our condolences go out to Officer Dulle and his family. What a tragic scene, in which thirty-six year old Brian Dulle was killed while performing his duties as a Warren County Police Officer. Dulle was putting out stop-sticks along the roadway on St. Rt. 42 when Marcus Israel allegedly ran into Officer Dulle at over 100 miles per hour, killing him instantly. Israel has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and failure to comply with a police officer, facing fifteen years in prison if he is convicted. At the arraignment in Lebanon Municipal Court Thursday, Israel apologized to Officer Dulle’s family. Israel is being held on a one million dollar bond. What a great loss to the community – What an irresponsible and reckless act. The suspect decided to trade a tail-light violation for a manslaughter charge.
By: Gabe Moorman, Attorney and Counselor at Law at Diehl & Hubbell, LLC
304 East Warren Street, Lebanon, OH 45036
Next up in the Ryan Widmer case.
By Marty Hubbell
What’s next in the Ryan Widmer case? Expect the defense to file a motion for a new trial in the next few days. This motion must be filed within 14 days of the verdict that was rendered on February 15, 2011.
This motion is critical for Widmer’s case, and is separate from the appeal of his actual murder conviction. His appeal would be to the 12th District Court of Appeals in Middletown, Ohio; the motion for a new trial would be heard by Judge Bronson in the Warren County Common Pleas Court. The appeal will not be filed until the upcoming motion is resolved in the trial court.
Why is this motion for a new trial important? The 12th District Court of Appeals is probably the most conservative appellate court in the State of Ohio; less criminal convictions are overturned in this court than in any other appellate district. If he cannot persuade Judge Bronson to grant him a new trial, it is likely that the next significant hearing for Ryan Widmer will occur in about 14.5 years, at his first parole hearing.
The defense attorneys are scrambling to find any and all evidence they can to support the motion. From the press releases thus far, it appears that they are going to try to argue some form of juror misconduct.
Gabe Moorman Discusses Widmer Verdict on FOX45 In The Morning – Live.
http://fox.daytonsnewssource.com/shared/newsroom/top_stories/videos/wkef_vid_5804.shtml
Click the link above to hear Gabe and Meghan discuss the Widmer verdict, their reactions to the jury’s decision and chances for an appeal.
Gabe Moorman on Fox45 In The Morning
http://fox.daytonsnewssource.com/shared/newsroom/top_stories/videos/wkef_vid_5781.shtml
Ryan Widmer III
By: Marty Hubbell
Ryan Widmer’s third trial for the murder of his wife, Sarah, is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, January 18, 2011, in the Warren County Common Pleas Court in Lebanon, Ohio. Judge Bronson is again presiding.
The first trial ended in a conviction that was overturned due to juror misconduct. The jury in the second trial was unable to reach a unanimous verdict, which resulted in a mistrial.
I am often asked my opinion on this case. I’ve spoken to folks on both sides; each is passionate one way or the other. I am not. I have paid close attention to this case, but I have not seen all of the evidence or heard all of the witnesses. From those I have spoken to in the legal community, most believe reasonable doubt exists.
So why has the overwhelming majority of jurors believed that Ryan Widmer is guilty of murdering his wife? I do have an opinion on that: I just don’t think he’s likeable.
Before the second trial, jurors were brought in to determine if they could serve for an extended period of time. I happened to be at the courthouse, for other cases. In front of Judge Bronson’s courtroom, I saw Ryan Widmer laughing and joking around with a friend. This went on for awhile, in full view of the potential jurors.
I also sat in on portions of the first two trials. I observed Ryan Widmer’s behavior, demeanor, and reaction to witness testimony. He left me with the impression that he was a bit snarky.
So what does this have to do with the Widmer case? Like it or not, defendants are on trial the minute they pull into the court parking lot. It was clear the possible jurors recognized Ryan Widmer. They knew they were there to potentially serve as jurors in a case, where he is accused of killing his wife. In other words, they were there to address a serious matter; he was there goofing around.
I have no idea what this third jury will do. But it would certainly behoove Ryan Widmer to act more appropriately.
Ohio Attorney Blog - Diehl & Hubbell, LLC 