Police in Virginia have said that a drug transaction led to the killing of a 20-year-old man in April near the grounds of Virginia State University. Police believe that two groups became hostile when one attempted to rob the other during the marijuana sale. Law enforcement would not identify before scheduled court appearances which group they believe constituted the sellers and which were the buyers, however.
The revelation follows an additional arrest in the shooting case. Police took a former Virginia State University student into custody on Wednesday, charging him with two conspiracy charges: one to violate the state's drug control act and the other to commit murder. The man police suspect was the shooter has not been arrested, but police have indicated that he will likely face criminal charges of felony use of a firearm and first-degree murder. Law enforcement has also charged a third suspect with brandishing a gun in the course of the alleged drug transaction.
Without question, all of the criminal charges facing these young men are serious. It is important to remember, however, that one version of events could be missing important details or lacking sufficient evidence. In a criminal case, the prosecution bears the highest burden of proof imposed by law: proof beyond a reasonable doubt. They must meet that burden regarding each element of the crimes alleged.
All too often we may become persuaded by details revealed in news stories. A strong criminal defense can reveal facts in the courtroom that perhaps were not visible at first glance.
Source: Richmond Times-Dispatch, "UPDATE: Police say Ettrick slaying followed drug robbery," Mark Bowes, May 3, 2012.
Tags: conspiracy, criminal defense, drug charges, murderComments: Leave a commentNo CommentsLeave a commentComment InformationNamePlease enter your name.E-mail AddressPlease enter a valid e-mail address.WebsiteCommentView the Original article
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