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NewsZolo to Face a Third Death Penalty TrialSubmitted by sara on Tue, 2007-05-15 07:21.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 15, 2007 CONTACT: Howard Emmer 773-425-6716 Indiana Supreme Court in a 3 to 2 decision allows the State of Indiana to seek the death penalty for the third time in the case of Zolo Agona Azania. Indianapolis -- On Thursday, May 10, 2007 the Indiana Supreme Court reversed Boone County Superior Court Judge Steve David’s ruling that barred the state of Indiana from pursuing the death penalty in the case of Zolo Azania. Lake County Prosecutor Bernard Carter appealed Judge David’s ruling and that resulted in oral arguments before the Indiana Supreme Court on June 27th, 2006. Zolo, who was convicted of murder in 1982, has spent the last 26 years in Indiana prisons, most of that time on death row. Twice the state has had Zolo’s death penalty verdict overturned by the Indiana Supreme Court due to: prosecution’s suppression of evidence favorable to the defendant, ineffective assistance of counsel, and systematic exclusion of African Americans from the jury pool. ( categories: Legal )
Legal Update on Zolo's CaseSubmitted by sara on Wed, 2005-06-01 19:44.
On May 1, 2005, Judge Steve David barred the State of Indiana from seeking the death penalty against Zolo Azania. The Court ruled that the 24+ year passage of time prevents Zolo from recieving a fair sentencing hearing. The State has filed an appeal of this ruling and all further activity in the case is stopped until the Indiana Supreme Court reviews Judge David's opinion. It will probably take several months before the Supreme Court hears this appeal. When we have a date for the oral argument before the Court in Indianapolis we will notify you and urge you to help us fill the courtroom. ( categories: Legal )
State of Indiana Stopped from Seeking the Death PenaltySubmitted by sara on Tue, 2005-05-03 21:06.
On May 1, 2005, Judge Steve David granted Zolo's motion to bar the State of Indiana from seeking the death penalty for the third time. The Court found that the 24+ year delay between the offense and the scheduled sentencing hearing in January, 2006, "has significantly compromised Defendant's Constitutional protections and as a result prejudice will result in allowing the State to proceed with the death Penalty after so much time has elapsed." The Court went on to state that "fundamental principles of fairness, due process, and speedy justice warrant this court prohibiting the State to seek the death penalty against this Defendant in this case under these circumstances." ( categories: Legal )
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