Posted 2:14 pm Wednesday, May 09, 2012
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D.A. Says Man Linked To Stabbing, Rape Can Get Fair Trial Through Local Judge
(AP) – Smith County prosecutors say they believe a man linked to a 1977 rape and stabbing can get a fair hearing before a local judge on his request to have new DNA testing that could demonstrate his innocence.
Kerry Max Cook was twice convicted and condemned for the killing of 21-year-old Linda Jo Edwards in Tyler. Courts overturned both convictions. He would later plead no contest to the murder for a sentence of time served.
Cook wants new DNA testing in hopes of being declared formally innocent.
His attorneys have asked Smith County Judge Christi Kennedy to be removed from the case, a request that was denied by an administrative judge. They have since renewed that request.
In new filings Tuesday, prosecutors say the attorneys' newest motion should be denied.
Kerry Max Cook was twice convicted and condemned for the killing of 21-year-old Linda Jo Edwards in Tyler. Courts overturned both convictions. He would later plead no contest to the murder for a sentence of time served.
Cook wants new DNA testing in hopes of being declared formally innocent.
His attorneys have asked Smith County Judge Christi Kennedy to be removed from the case, a request that was denied by an administrative judge. They have since renewed that request.
In new filings Tuesday, prosecutors say the attorneys' newest motion should be denied.
