Hello all Would like you r insight for my sister and her husband. They were recently arrested for murder in the 1st degree and conspiracy to commit robbery. They both claim that they were not going to rob the guy whom was an ex roommate but ask him for the money they felt he owed them when a friend of theirs stepped in front of them and pointed a gun at the man. The man pulled away and the shooter shot four times and they drove in the other direction. According to them they did not know that the shooter had the gun on him and they didnt know that the victim was even shot. It was a ricoshea that hit the victim. They did not intend to rob him only ask for what was owed to them. They also had their brand new baby with them which is why my sister said there was no way I would do such a thing with my baby with me. Any opinions or outlooks would be appreciated.

Lowtax4eva

If they didnt call the police or try to help him after he was shot they could still face charged of accesory to murder. If there were 4 shots they must have seen him fall after being hit and if they didnt stay to give a police report they technically helped the shooter.

They could of course agree to testify against the shooter for a lesser sentence but they are sorta screwed if they fled the scene of the crime with the shooter.

Fr_Chuck

Give the police all of the info on who did the shooting, where he lives and anything they know on him ( and pray they beleive it and will actually check it out) Most police once they have made the arrest of who they think did it, often stop investigating.

So they need an seriously good attorney, best they can afford

Jodie2001

They didnt know he was dead because his girlfriend that was in the car as it sped away kept the car on the road. The police believe them that they didnt know because of their response when they were told he was dead. They did get all three of them and both my sister and her husband told the police everything. The shooter on the other hand denied everything even owning a gun but the police found the gun in his car. We cant afford to pay for an attorney so unfortunatly they have to go with assigned counsel.

excon

Hello Jodie:

Under the law, if during a robbery, a murder is committed, then everybody is equally guilty of the murder. That's as it should be.

excon

ScottGem

Whether they knew the victom was dead or not, they should have reported the shooting.

If I follow your second note, the vic was in a car with his g/f when he was shot and the g/f drove away in one direction and the shooter in another? And what did sis and hubby do?

If they cooperate and are lucky, the DA may decline to prosecute. A more likely scenario would be a plea down to a lesser charge and probation.

Jodie2001

My sister went home with her baby and then to the hospital the next day because she was sick. Her husband went out with friends. They did not know he was shot so they went on with their day. It is all a nightmare. To get an attorney would cost 100,000 I have been told. I dont even have 1000.

ScottGem

The shooter stepped in front of them and fired 4 shots and "They did not know he was shot"??? Even if they didn't know he was hit, they knew he was shot at. To not report it implies guilt.

excon

Hello Jodie:

The nightmare is just beginning.

No, you can't afford a lawyer. Few people can afford a murder defense. So they're going to be represented by an appointed lawyer. That's not bad.

However, before they get their lawyer, please convey to them the following advice: DON'T TALK TO ANYBODY!!!!

excon

Jodie2001

Unfortunately My sister did talk because when she asked for an attorney They told her fine then your under arrest for the murder of so and so and started to pull her out of her hospital bed. Then the officer told her and we will take your baby and place him in state custody. Thats when she said stop and asked if I talk to you will you make sure that my mom gets the baby. The officer then said you know I can lie to you dont you. So she gambled that he would take care of the baby and talked. The man was not shot in the chest he sped away and the shooter shot at the fleeing vehicle. I already yelled at her why didnt you report the shooting and she said we dont have a phone. Which is true but I am trying to keep her calm and didnt say walk to a phone booth. You have all been very helpfull thank you and please keep responding if you have more to say.