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Oswego Daily News

Defense Attorney Grills Witness

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. […]

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Oswego Daily News

Residents Ask Lawmakers To Remove Social Services Commissioner

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Residents in Oswego County are officially calling for Department of Social Service Commissioner Fran Lanigan’s job. Jackie Siver and Colleen Scott each approached the Oswego County Legislature Thursday to present petitions asking to have Lanigan removed from her position in response to the death of 11-year-old Erin Maxwell. […]

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Oswego Daily News

Petition Calls For Commissioner’s Job

</p>A petition has started to circulate around Oswego County, calling for the commissioner of the Oswego County Department of Social Services to step down or be removed from her position in response to the department’s handling of the Erin Maxwell case. Oswego County Administrator Philip Church says while residents are entitled to circulate a petition, it is not likely to cost the commissioner her job. […]

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Fulton Daily News

Judge Won’t Lower Bail In Maxwell Case

<p>Alan Jones, left, appears in court with his lawyer, Sal Lanza.</p>

Erin Maxwell’s step-brother, father, and step-mother remain in jail as a judge refused to lower their bail. Alan Jones was arraigned on a charge of second-degree murder in connection with her death. Her father and step-mother are each facing six counts of endangering the welfare of a child. […]

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Fulton Daily News

Police: Arrests Bring ‘Justice For Erin’

Oswego County District Attorney Donald Dodd and state police Captain Mark Lincoln discuss arrests made in the Erin Maxwell death investigation.

Before she died Aug. 30, police say 11-year-old Erin Maxwell lived in difficult conditions at her home on Route 264 with her father, step-mother and step brother. Tuesday morning, police arrested Lindsey and Lynn Maxwell, charging each with six counts of endangering the welfare of a child. Lynn Maxwell’s son, Alan Jones was charged with second-degree murder for allegedly causing Erin’s death. […]

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Fulton Daily News

‘People Shouldn’t Rush To Judgment,’ Maxwell Family Attorney Says

Salvatore Lanza

The attorney for the Maxwell family says while his clients continue to be cooperative with police in the investigation into the death of 11-year-old Erin Maxwell, there has been little reciprocation. While the family maintains the child’s death was a tragic accident, police continue to investigate her death as a homicide. More than a month after her death, no arrests have been made in the case. […]

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Fulton Daily News

Report Details Maxwell Investigations

</p>A 26-page report detailing Oswego County Department of Social Services’ investigations involving Erin Maxwell was made public Thursday afternoon. Originally prepared for Oswego County Legislature Chairman Barry Leemann, the report provided information about three separate investigations that were launched over a three-year span between 2003 and 2006. DSS Commissioner Frances Lanigan says that another investigation is underway. […]