Sunday, January 19, 2014

In Knoxville, Life is Cheap: Frank Gary Cooper Can Get Six Years Max for Murdering Nola Atkins, and May Immediately be Eligible for Parole (Jury Nullification)!

 

The investigation into the death of the woman known affectionately as "Miss Nola" Atkins began in March 2008 when she was found dead from a shotgun blast to the face in her Knoxville home. Her body was discovered by her son, Ron Martin.

As the jury read the guilty verdict, Martin broke into tears he described as being a combination of relief, joy, and sadness.

"It was my mother. When I lost her, it took me out. I talk to her everyday. I mean, she is still with me," said Martin. "This is what we have wanted is for someone who had something to do with this to be held accountable for their actions."

While the family celebrates Saturday's conviction, they emphasized it does not bring any closure.

"Especially when there are people out there who were involved in it who have not been to court. I just hope and pray that when God works with them and brings them in [to court], that we are still here to see it," said Martin.

Martin said he still asks the community for any help with the investigation that could lead to the conviction of others involved in the crime that killed his mother.

Reporter's Note: The original version of this story incorrectly said Cooper was convicted of felony murder, the initial charge sent to the jury. He was actually convicted of "criminally negligent homicide."

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

That sentence is about typical.

Six years max and he has already been in jail for two years prior to trial.

So even if he has to do the three years for normal parole he has 2/3 of the sentence already served.

This is not unusual.