BREAKING NEWS: Alan Jones will hear his fate another day. Judge Walter Hafner this morning agreed to adjourn Jones’ sentencing until later this month.

It’s sad because one person is dead and another person’s going to spend the vast majority of their life in prison, a member of Justice for Erin pointed out.

An engineering professor said today (Sept. 21) Erin Maxwell could have hanged herself from the screw in her bedroom window frame.

Two experts from the New York State Police forensics center in Albany testified today (Sept. 16) about the green rope in the Alan Jones murder case. State police forensic expert Stacy Rack testified that she discovered “three small, reddish brown spots” on the rope that killed Erin Maxwell. No DNA from Jones was found, however.

Two members of the State Police testified today (Sept. 14) regarding their interaction with Alan Jones last August. They explained what Jones told them regarding his stepsister’s death. However, when they gave opinions in their answers, the defense objected. The jury can’t hear opinions regarding Jones’ demeanor because it is not part of the theory of the crime, the judge explained.

Tensions have been running high ever since the Alan Jones murder trial got under way Sept. 8. When one of the attorneys makes a questionable comment, the other objects and the judge makes a ruling. However, when a spectator makes an objectionable remark, the judge moves swiftly to ensure order isn’t lost in the courtroom.

Alan Jones’ murder trial got off to a stormy start today (Sept. 9). About 15 minutes into his opening statement, Oswego County District Attorney Donald Dodd made reference to Jones’ lack of emotion and unresponsiveness when dealing with rescue personnel who responded to his 911 call on Aug. 29, 2008. That prompted defense attorney Sal Lanza to call for a mistrial.

An Oswego County Court Judge Tuesday reduced the bail for Lynn and Lindsey Maxwell. It was set at $5,000 cash or $10,000 bond – half what was imposed upon them following their conviction in Palermo Town Court on Saturday night.

Emotions boiled over Friday evening at the trial of Lynn and Lindsey Maxwell, as the defense lawyer got into a parking lot dispute with a spectator and taunted the prosecutor during court.  It all happened as a State Police Investigator finished 8 hours of testimony about conditions inside the Maxwells’ farmhouse in Palermo.

The trial of Lynn and Lindsey Maxwell will turn on three things: door locks, cat poop and cat pee.  Those three items dominated the opening night of their trial on child endangerment charges in Palermo Wednesday.

They are the father and step-mother of Erin Maxwell, the 11 year old found dying in her bedroom last August 29.  They are not on trial for her death.  Erin’s stepbrother, Alan Jones, is accused of sexually abusing and then killing her.  The Maxwells are accused of having conditions in their home that were dangerous to Erin.

The Fulton District Wide Storytelling Festival was held and storytellers from throughout the district showcased their talents in telling a wide variety of stories. Participants told a folktale, fairytale, myth, legend, tall tale or fable. The stories ranged from spooky legends to hilarious tales and many had a useful moral attached that provided a bit [...]

Parents: Get your social life back on track! Go out “guilt-free” and have fun knowing that your children are not just waiting for you by the TV — but are having fun too!

Happy New Year to all of our readers in the tri-county region!
While our Richland facility is closed until April, the society is still active with Friday afternoon hours at the Barclay Court House in Pulaski (2nd floor over DMV, 2pm until 5) or by appointment. We got off to a rocky start following our [...]