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Oswego Daily News

State Troopers Take The Stand In Jones Case

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. […]

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Oswego Daily News

Judge Admonishes Spectator At Jones Trial

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. […]

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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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Fulton Daily News

Alan Jones’ Murder Trial Begins Today

Alan Jones goes on trial beginning Tuesday morning for the death of his stepsister, Erin Maxwell.

The trial begins with jury selection before Judge Walter Hafner. District Attorney Donald Dodd and defense lawyer Sal Lanza will pick the 12 jurors and 2 alternates who will hear the evidence and decide whether Jones is guilty or not guilty. […]

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Fulton Daily News

Assistant DA: Judge’s Charges Are ‘Ridiculous’

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An Assistant District Attorney in in Oswego County has decided to make some of the complaints that a judge has filed against her public; complaints which she calls ridiculous. Because of those complaints, Oswego County Court Judge Walter Hafner Jr., has been required to recuse himself from cases that are prosecuted by assistant DA Mary Rain. Hafner still won’t discuss the complaints. However, he suggests Rain’s decision to talk is a political maneuver. […]

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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

Lanza Irked At Arrest Procedure

<p>Alan Jones is escorted to the state police barracks after his arraignment in Oswego County Court.</p>

Salvatore Lanza, the defense attorney for the Maxwell/Jones family, said he was “appalled” that he had to learn of his clients’ arrests through the media Tuesday. Lanza said he plans to address the matter with a judge this morning during Alan Jones’ appearance in Oswego County Court. […]

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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. […]