Defense Seeks Limiting Of Proof In Traci Carpenter Child Neglect Trial

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Defense attorneys Lee Davis and Stevie Phillips are seeking a limit on proof in the upcoming aggravated child neglect trial of Traci Carpenter relating to the April 2006 death of her 18-month daughter, Sierra Carpenter.

But prosecutors Neal Pinkston and Cameron Williams said the jury should hear testimony related to ongoing abuse of the child.

Attorney Phillips argued that the court should follow the Tennessee Supreme Court’s recent decision in State v. Gomez:

justia.com/cases/tennessee/supreme-court/2012/m2008-02737-sc-r11-cd.html">http://law.justia.com/cases/tennessee/supreme-court/2012/m2008-02737-sc-r11-cd.html

Criminal Court Judge Don Poole said he will rule later on the defense motion.

The trial is set for Sept. 4.

A jury earlier found Ms. Carpener's boyfriend, Brian Rutherford, not guilty of murder in the child's death. Ms. Carpenter was a witness for the state in that case.   


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