Posted on 01/09/2005 5:36:12 PM PST by freespirited
NEW HAVEN, Conn. -- The 1975 murder of Martha Moxley set in motion more than a quarter century of grief and intrigue as the attractive teen's family waited for justice while two Kennedy cousins lived under a cloud of suspicion.
The long delay in an arrest fueled suspicions of a powerful cover-up in a wealthy Connecticut town. Authorities ultimately charged one of the cousins, Michael Skakel, with bludgeoning Moxley with a golf club and accused his wealthy family of a cover-up to thwart his prosecution during a trial that led to his conviction in 2002.
Now Skakel says he should be set free because authorities waited too long to prosecute him.
"They're looking for loopholes again," said John Moxley, the victim's brother. "To reward someone for covering it up was never the intent of the law."
The Connecticut Supreme Court is to hear arguments on Friday in Skakel's appeal. A central argument is that a five-year statute of limitations for the crime expired before Skakel was charged in January 2000.
(Excerpt) Read more at newsday.com ...
I don't know, but if there is a loophole, the Kennedys will find it...if there isn't one, they'll probably make one up.
It will also most likely stick...
Skakel's lawyers argue that state law then set a five-year limit for prosecution of all cases except those that could carry the death penalty. Skakel was not charged with a capital offense.Prosecutors contend Connecticut has never set a deadline to try murder cases. They say that the nature of the crime, not the potential punishment, determines whether it is subject to the time limit.
Infinite are the arguments of lawyers.
I didn't think there was a statute of limitations on murder period.
Well, I think Ol' Horseface losing the election made this effort a necessity. I believe a Skakel pardon would have been in the works as thanks to Teddy.
I actually agree with Skakel. At the time of the crime their was a statute of limitations for juveniles. I don't know how the prosecution got around it to begin with. And please, it's not like I am Skakel fan, I am a rule of law fan - even if the law is stupid.
The Moxley family is much more civilized than I am. I would have taken care of that SOB Skakel with my bare hands.
Is there a statute of limitations for the murder of Mary Jo Kopechne? Thats the Kennedy I want to see convicted.
Would Fat Teddy's act be negligent homicide rather than murder?
We really dont know that, Did he know she was pregnant,? was it his? Did he do away with her because she was ready to sue him for paternity? Was he just negligent or was he criminally negligent for leaving her overnight in the water?
These things have never been investigated, because he brought a Kennedy Judge back from vacation to white wash it for hiom.
Me either...
I like the even-handed administration of the law even more than I hate the Kennedy's.
Damn close call though.
At the very least, manslaughter.
OK, I am probably going to get into trouble here.
But I do not believe Teddy killed Mary Jo.
Having been to Chappaquiddick, and read most of the books, I believe he might have been able to save her, but chose not to do so. And I do not believe that is murder.
Cowardly behavior, sure, but not murder.
Is he, and the rest of his clan, scum? I truly believe they are.
Look, this guy was my senator for a number of years, ich, puke, vomit, spit.
And I cannot imagine why anyone lionizes the family.
Had JFK not been murdered he would now be known as a poor president.
But I do not believe Teddy, the lowest form of humanity, actually murdered Mary Jo.
Vehicular Manslaughter?
From what I read she could have been alive in the car for several hours. While he was calling his lawyer she was dying. No Matter the charge he walked away because he was named Kennedy.
No; better that somehow Justice should be degraded/ignored/overruled .
Too much to expect these people to just tell the cousin; you do the time. . .for the crime. . .
I think he can get off if he gets elected to the Senate. It worked for Ted.
"At the time of the crime their was a statute of limitations for juveniles."
Thank you for explaining that, it's actually a good point, but I'm surprised it wasn't raised before.
I guess this Kennedy slime really did murder that girl, and just wants to continue to get away with it. What a disgrace these people are to Irish Americans, and how disgusting it is that so many Irish AMericans basicall worship them. No wonder my mother hated the Kennedys so much.
The President can only pardon people convicted of federal crimes. Skakel was convicted of violating Connecticut state law. Any pardon would have to come from the governor of Connecticut.
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