Print this story | E-mail story | This story has 60 comments Add your own | iPod friendly
photo by Marcus Frazier
Murder victim Matthew Whittington’s mother Judy is consoled by Concordia Parish Sheriff Deputy Frankie Carroll and friends Tuesday in the hallway of the Concordia Parish Courthouse after being removed from the courtroom for an emotional outburst the Conner Woods murder trial.
Mother’s outburst threatens Wood trial
Published Wednesday, April 16, 2008
VIDALIA — An emotional courtroom outburst by the mother of a victim led defense attorneys in the Conner Wood murder trial ask for a mistrial during the first day of court proceedings.
When the prosecution exhibited a graphic photo of the dead Matthew Whittington, lying on his back with a bullet wound to his face, Judy Whittington, Matthew’s mother, lurched toward Wood screaming curses and threats.
The jury was escorted out of the courtroom, but not before Judy Whittington had yelled that God would judge Wood.
Wood’s attorney Paul Lemke requested the mistrial because he felt the outburst might have tainted the jury.
“I understand her grief and anxiety, but my first concern is a fair trial for my client,” Lemke said.
Judge Leo Boothe decided to poll the jury to see if they believed the outburst would affect their objectivity.
“It is apparent the jury was not exposed to the majority of the outburst, but the court cannot risk that at this time,” Boothe said.
One of the jury’s two alternates was dismissed when she asked to be excused, saying she has a son near Matthew’s age, and Whittington’s cries had moved her.
Judy Whittington was barred from the courtroom Tuesday.
Wood is accused of killing his parents, John Wood, 46, and Geraldine Wood, 40, along with Whittington, 16, during the early morning hours of March 14, 2007.
Throughout the course of the day, the prosecution entered approximately 160 pieces of evidence, including graphic photos and video, the weapons used during the commission of the crime, bullet fragments collected from the victims’ bodies and bullet casings removed from the crime scene.
During testimony Tuesday various law enforcement officials from the Ferriday Police Department and the Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office weaved a narrative of what they did that night.
CPSO Dispatcher David Cobb testified he answered the 911 call Conner Wood made in the wake of the murders, and that he talked with Ferriday Police while Wood was on the line with him.
In Ferriday, Officer John Hawkins testified he answered the phone initially because dispatcher Elbert White was out of the room at the time. When White returned, Hawkins and Lt. Derrick Freeman left the police station and went to the scene of the crime.
Cobb testified that during the call Wood said Whittington had still been alive but he had killed him.
During the call, Wood reportedly alleged Whittington was an intruder who he had shot after the intruder shot his parents.
CPSO Capt. Frankie Carroll later testified the 911 call was not recorded because a power outage had caused the computer running the recording equipment to lose power.
The system now operates on a backup battery, Carroll said.
When the Ferriday officers arrived on the scene, Conner Wood met them in front of the house. Both Freeman and Hawkins testified they placed Wood in a patrol car for his safety until they found out what the situation was.
Hawkins said Wood appeared “sort of disturbed,” and Freeman testified he appeared “nervous.”
The Ferriday officers did not enter the residence, and when CPSO deputies arrived on the scene, they made a tactical entry — with weapons drawn and using flashlights — into the residence through the back door.
Once in the house, they found the body of Matthew Whittington laying facedown in the hallway, and the bodies of John and Geraldine Wood dead in their bed.
Whittington was wearing gloves when the officers found him, and Carroll testified he removed them from the body at the funeral home.
The gloves were hunting gloves, and they were not later tested for gunshot residue for that reason, Carroll testified.
One of the panes in back door of the house was broken on the outside, but the glass on the door was double-paned and the interior pane was not broken, CPSO Investigator Jack Fletcher, who was a patrol sergeant at the time, testified.
The hammer that was used to break the glass was found on a bar stool upon entry into the house.
The door was brought into the courtroom and entered as a piece of evidence Tuesday.
Fletcher also testified Wood told him the weapons in the house would have his fingerprints on them because the family had recently fired them.
“I thought it was kind of odd he would tell me that,” Fletcher said.
Investigators later recovered three weapons involved in the crime, a .09 mm pistol, a .32-caliber pistol and a .22-caliber rifle that had been modified with an assault weapon style stock. Ammunition and ammunition clips were also recovered from the scene.
In the Woods’ bedroom, investigators recovered 13 .09 mm bullet casings, and in the hallway and an adjoining bathroom they recovered nine .32 caliber shell casings and two .22-caliber shell casings.
One bullet was also recovered from inside the wall in the Woods’ bedroom.
The Jefferson Parish Coroner’s office later recovered five bullet fragments from the body of Geraldine Wood, five bullet fragments from the body of John Wood and nine bullet fragments from the body of Matthew Whittington.
After assessing the scene, CPSO Chief Deputy Bobby Sheppard testified he and Ferriday Police Chief Investigator Johnny Evans went to the home of Dennis and Judy Whittington to inform them of what had happened.
“They were both very upset,” Sheppard said. “The father started calling out Matthew’s name, and tried to go into his room. When he could not, he ran outside and was able to gain entry into the room through an open window.”
Other evidence was collected from the home and John Wood’s work truck — which was not in law enforcement custody — in the following days.
Some of that evidence includes the bedding and mattress from the Woods’ bed, ammunition, video games, movies from the “Rambo” franchise and toy gun replicas.
So far, only the prosecution has called witnesses in the matter.
The trial will resume at 10 a.m. today in Seventh District Judicial Court in Vidalia.
The court has not given an indication how long the trial is expected to last.
Comments
Posted by ntzmom (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 2:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
That poor mother. I wood have reacted the same way. Bless her heart.
Posted by bbeatty (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 4:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
My mother lost a son on Christmas Day in 1956 in a violent gun accident. He was 15 at the time. My brother was not quiet two yrs older than I am. In fact, we were in some of the same classes in school. HOWEVER, I never saw or heard Momma react in such a manner as this lady. I know my mother carried her loss to her grave with her. There is an appropriate method, time and place to express remorse, and great loss or search for inner strength and understanding--that is Church, the Bible and prayer. Not to diminished the Whittington's loss but there is apparent evidence of the need for professional therapy, especially if there are other minors in the home.
Posted by ntzmom (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 5:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Well, I still say I would react the same way Mrs. Whittington did. sure, she needs therapy, she probably is getting therapy. but her sons death was no accident...I just know I would NEVER be the same and would have flipped out too.
BUT, I also think I would have skipped that day in court, I could NOT have looked at those photos.
Posted by Choctaw (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 5:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I HOPE the Judge does not call a mistrial because of Mrs. Whittington's outburst! What a setback that would be and it would just delay everyone's pain that much longer! This trial needs to proceed if at all possible!
But I certainly do understand her grief and seeing those horrendous pictures drove her over the edge I'm sure! I can't say that I wouldn't have done the same thing had I been in her place,,,,But I also don't think I could have looked at the pictures of my dead child in such a mutilated state either without getting extremely emotional! I would have wanted to injure that Woods boy I'm sure just like Mrs. Whittington did,,,,,But that wasn't the time or place for it!
NOTHING needs to get in the way of this trial proceeding!
I'll be praying for them all and hope they have the strength to be in that courtroom for the duration of the trial!
It might be a good idea if Mrs. Whittington just relies on what the rest of her Family tells her about what was said in court and stay at home so she doesn't have to look at anymore disturbing evidence! Those pictures will never leave her memory!!! :(
How sad!!! :(
Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 6:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Wonder if this was the first time Mrs Whittington had seen these photos.
Posted by redusmfan (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 7:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I guess, being a parent, I may react the same way. I could not stand to see a picture of my son like that. I would probably have strangled hios punk a _ _ to death with my bare hands.
Again I have to say, what is wrong with this country. Why is this even going on...why do our kids feel that it is necessary to kill each other and their families in this manner.
This country needs a wake up call.....right now...
Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 7:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree with you redusmfan....Sure makes you wonder what the whole story is in this case....Maybe time will tell....
I hope this isn't a way to get him off the hook...That would be terrible...
Posted by PIangel (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 7:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree I may have acted the same way and also agree I do not think i want to see the photos though.Here what i do not get why is anyone other than law inforcement and other court personal allowed in the court room at all the judge could have and should have closed the court room to other,He had to stop and think of what the photos and other things whould do to the family and with out the jury sugesterd he needed even more to protect them from the out burst Think Judge Think !
Posted by meluvcookies (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 8:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Believe what you want, but I feel it was Satan's demons straight from the pits of h__! Satan will use television, music, videos, etc. to get to you. He can use these things to get into your spirit and mind, and unless you have the power of the almighty God in you and living in you, there's not much hope. Young people and adults alike need to realize that there are demons, alive and well, among us. Parents need to realize the extreme harm the movies, music and videos are doing to our children. And, it's not just the unbelievers it happens to. If we're not careful, it can happen to Christians as well. It's a daily walk. We have to work at it every day, but rest assured, I would much rather end up in Heaven than an eternity with Satan in a lake of fire!
Posted by BULLDOG72 (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 8:26 a.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by destiny (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 8:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
By the way N.D. a well written and informative article. Please keep us up to date. Thanks.
Posted by destiny (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 8:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The mother is to be pitied, it will be with her as long as she lives. I believe what meluvcookies says. It's an everyday battle with satan and his evil forces. I have gotten into the habit that upon waking I speak out LOUD and CLEAR and tell him and his evil forces to get out of my house that only God and His angles are welcomed inside. I feel as if I live cloaked inside a warm blanket of love and safety each day. It definitely works. TRY IT AND YOU WILL SEE.
Posted by itsjustme (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 8:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I would have probley done the same thing as Mrs. Whittington also. But, she had to know that they would be showing some horrible things in court. All the evidence they have collected will be there. I would want to be there also, but I think I would need to stay home and let someone tell me what happend.
Mr. and Mrs. Whittington and Family, I am very sorry for the lose of your son.
Posted by lambchop (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 8:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I served as an alternate on a murder trial a few years ago. There were pictures and video that was shot by the coroner's office of the crime scene as they entered the home. The scenes were graphic. The judge had the television set angled to keep it from view from the family; however, the family moved to the side of the room where the jury box is and from the balcony could get glimpses of the video and emotional outbursts were made. There was even a scuffle in the balcony. It was scary and law enforcement, in full force in the courtroom, was watching closely and keeping the families separated. One family was in the balcony and the other downstairs. It got very tense. I can understand how someone directly involved with the family of the murdered boy would experience intense grief and anger at seeing the photos; but any type of antagonism toward the person charged can only sway the jury/judge/lawyers to react in a way to protect the "party" until a verdict is handed down. I do hope Mrs. Whittington will refrain from attending every moment of the trial for her peace and sanity as it does get very intense. May the guilty party be judged accordingly and then God will play His part at the appropriate time. Peace to all. Both sides have family that is hurting.
Posted by DUCKHUNTER (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 8:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
BULLDOG72 -- Do you really believe that he deserves: three squares a day for the rest of his life, to be judged by a jury "of his peers" (this animal has NO peers), to be air conditioned/heated for the rest of his life, to get an education, to watch TV, to enjoy the same warm sunshine or cool breeze that you and I do? His mom and dad (and his "supposed best friend") sure can't! HE GETS TO LIVE ON TAX PAYER MONEY FOR THE REST OF HIS NATURAL BORN LIFE AND YOU PEOPLE THINK IT'S OK, AN EYE FOR AN EYE, IF HE WANTS TO LIVE BY THE LAW OF THE JUNGLE THAT'S FINE, BUT HE NEEDS TO BE JUDGED BY THE LAW OF THE LAND (HOLY BIBLE). ZIP HIM AND ZIP HIM AS SOON AS THE TRIAL IS OVER.
Posted by lukecannon (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 9:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree with Plangel. Why on earth did the judge allow the pics. to be shown to the audience?!? That should have been for the jury's eyes only. That was just wrong!! Now the families will never get those images out of their mind, NEVER! I sure hope this trial goes quickly. I also hope that he gets life without the possibility of parole. I would hate to know that Connor could have a chance to be back in the free world. now that's SCARY!
Posted by BULLDOG72 (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 9:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Duckhunter- I agree with you. I am the surviving son of a home robbery murder victim. At that time(1982) in South West Mississippi a judge could not impose a death sentence. Only a jury could. If the defendents attorneys advised them to cop a quilty plea they did not have to face a jury and all the judge could do was impose a life sentence. Then after eleven years the defendents get a parole hearing. Then every six years after that they are by law entitled to another parole hearing. Had it been up to me there would have been no need for a trial.The sentence of an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth would have been carried out very swiftly. There is a vast difference between justice and the legal process. By the way I do not enjoy the same warm sunshine or cool breezes that I did before these fools destroyed the life of my family. Nor will I ever forget or forgive.
Posted by frogprincenessntz (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 9:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
BULLDOG72...Please let it go. Give it to God and learn to forgive. If not, you willingly become another of the killer's victims. Do not give him that power. Ask God to take care of him and to help you forgive. Believe me, God has a punishment waiting for him that is far beyond anything we poor mortals could do.
The killer can also form a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and get His forgiveness for the crime. BUT he will have to come to the knowledge of what he did before he can ask for forgiveness. Therefore for the rest of his days, his conscience is seared with knowing how horrible the crime was and a truly repentant heart will never be without the knowledge of the hurt he inflicted.
Posted by lukecannon (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 9:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
BULLDOG72-my prayers go out to you man. I'm sorry for your loss. How old were you? Were you at the home when this happened? I know you can simpithize with the Whittingtons. No one should ever have to go through anything like that. I believe in an eye for an eye. The person comitting the crime should have the same crime done to them.
Posted by BULLDOG72 (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 9:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
frogprincenessntz.. Ther were 3 individuals in the house that committed the murders not one. Your advice is wise and good hearted advice and I appreciate it. But sometimes to really understand another human being you must first walk a mile in their shoes. I will speak of this subject no more in this forum. May God be with you and yours.
Posted by BULLDOG72 (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 9:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
lukecannon- I was 34 years of age and 600 miles north of the location when it occured. It is within 15 miles of downtown Natchez. Bulldog 72 should give you a clue. Thanks for your kind words.
Posted by PIangel (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 10:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I hear the Gloves where put on the Wittington boy by Woods boy because woods was trying to make it look like whittington shot the gun that killed his parents and putting the gloves on whitt ment that the gun shot resude was all on wittington gloves but what i wanna know was sense he [woods]admitted to killing wittington was there any gun resdue on his[woods] hands cause if not he most have had the gloves on when he shot his parents and the wittington boy then put them on wittington boy leave no resdue on his [woods] hands to me thats say woods did it all.
Posted by saywhat (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 10:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I think there is more to this story than will ever be known. I will be praying for both families. I can't know what it is to be in either situation so all I can do is ask God to be with during this time.
Posted by overthehill60 (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 11:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The picture of Mrs. Whittington is heart breaking. You can feel her pain. I don't see how she had the courage to even attend court. I hope the judge doesn't declare a mistrial, the tax payers have spent enough money on this animal now. Now all we as a community can do is let the Whittington's know we are here for them.
((frogprincenessntz)) I understand you meant well telling ((BULLDOG72)) to let it go, but until we have lived in someone elses shoes we can't tell them to let it go. Everyone reacts differently to grief.
This murder was so well planned by this sick animal. By there being so many bullets in the bodies he was taking out so much rage & anger. It's hard to inagine a boy that young could have that much hate in them.
He enjoys his new life with his new "friends", he reads, & laughs at their sick jokes. He has never shown one of minute of remorse or saddness. At least to my knowledge he hasn't.
Posted by babyblu2001 (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 11:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
To: "bbeatty"---He was her baby! The youngest of two sons. I'm sure she didn't plan that she would have an outburst like she did. I guess seeing your son with a hole in his face, you'd be able to just lower your head to the ground? Ecspecially looking across the room at the person that took him away from you...FOREVER! And by the way, some times in some situations, (like seeing your son dead) I feel you are allowed to cry out in a public place, Christian or not (and prayer may not always stop that from happening). I also believe that her outburst was probably just what this murderer needed to see and hear! He shot her son 9 times...not once, but 9! And his own parents five times each! He pulled that trigger 19 times....taking three lives! I think they should have let her have her say in the courtroom. It should not be a mistrial...so what if it "moves" the jury. I think allowing the jury to see just how precious this child was to his mother is the only way to a fair trial.
Posted by lukecannon (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 11:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
You are correct overthehill60, he does not show any remorse or saddness. What a shame! I don't know what is going on in his sick world, but I do know his parents and they were good people. Maybe the devil does own his soul and is playing his sick jokes through Connor's life. I can't think of any other reason besides the devil.
To the Whittington family you are in my prayers as well as the Trevillion and Wood families. May your loved ones rest in peace.
Posted by PIangel (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 12:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ok what on earth The jury job is to figure out who pulled the triger not whos the most upset about what happen.They must deside who did the crime and what is the right punishment. Sure all of us whould love to go and put our two cents in lets face it that why we take the time to type out how we feel on here for all to read. Justice has a blind fold on for one reason because it not her job to see justice her way but for it to be done even on both hands for accused and victime
Posted by dixiemama (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 12:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
((bbeatty)) I lost my baby in 1970 not to violence, but to pneumonia. I didn't care then or now where I cried. There is no appropriate time or place to show grief. Everyone shows grief differently. Your Mama must have been a strong lady or maybe she had been taught not to show public emotion like so many people are taught. I was not taught that & if I wanted to climb to the highest mountain & scream my anguish I would & never be ashamed. Your comment was very uncalled for.
Mrs. Whittington showed so much courage going to the trial, but the poor lady could no longer hold in her emotions. Instead of critizim of her showing emotion she should be admired for holding up as long as she has.
Posted by geauxtigers (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 12:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm with you babyblu.
Posted by momoftwokids (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 12:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
poor mother she is having to relive the whole thing over by sitting in court and seeing those pictures and all... but you have to wonder how she could not be there? I would have wanted to be there if it was my child.
Posted by lakebruingirl (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 1:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
We have known the Woods and Trevillon Families for many years. What about those mothers, how do you think they feel about all this they lost their babies too. All we hear is about the boys mother. I hate it for all the families but think about those mothers and fathers too. They have relived this everyday too. Yes, the boy needs help. Nobody will ever know what happen only God and Conner. But Please don't forget the other families too they are hurting just as bad or even more, that is their grandchild that did this horrible crime.
Posted by josey (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 1:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Amen lakebruingirl. Well said. There has been so much loss for ALL FAMILIES involved. Like you said only God and Conner know what happened that night and all we can do is speculate. I hope justice is served but there will never really be any peace for anyone.
Posted by itsawounderfullife (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 1:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I would want to be there if it were my child. I would be there every day waiting for a verdict and waiting for the moment to let the killer know how I feel.
Posted by Peace007 (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 1:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Mrs. Whittington doesn't need to be there. May God comfort her.
Posted by polly (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 2:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am shocked to have read some of the topics about this story! Judy Whittington should have never been barred from the courtroom Tuesday, after all her son is the one that is gone. She reacted in a normal way. And as far as Lemke being worried about a fair trial for his client, Conner Wood. What would he exactly define FAIR! As far as I am concern this has gone on too long, and is a cut and dry situation. Let the deceased rest and put him away, far away forever!
Posted by PIangel (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 2:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ok one more time it is court not jerry springer the jury should only have to hear what happen and figure who did what and what the punishment should be Not the drama. All the friends and family have the right to be upset and say what they want but not in the court room.I blame Mrs Whingtons out burst on the judge allowing those pics to be shown who whould not get up yell and attempt to ring his neck looking at what he did to your sons Like i said the judge should not allow the pic and other gragh things to be shown to eaither family I whould not want to see the Woods shot in thier bed eaither if i was family to them. may God be with all who have family had family or friends who have ever gone in such horriable way both Whittington and Woods Family are in our prayers
Posted by SayItRight (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 3:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What the heck is she supposed to do? Sit there with her legs crossed and show no emotion at all? Stay at home and wonder if the little SO & SO is going to get away with it? Not be there to make sure justice is served?
If what seems evident does turn out to be true, I don't blame her for anything she says and does at this point. For this kid to try to blame hers for what happened to his parents and then to have killed him too, she has a right to say anything she wants. I hope they don't drag this one out and that they do find all the evidence they need to make the killer pay.
Anyone who would do these kinds of things to his own parents and one his friends has outlived his purpose on this earth and doesn't deserve to be here - in my opinion. Whether he is considered crazy or not, he needn't be our responsibility anymore.
It still blows me away that John Hinckley Jr. is allowed out of the nuthouse to visit his parents after trying to kill Ronald Reagan.
Posted by truthseeker (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 3:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yes I feel very sorry for Matt's family, But what about the Trevillions, and the Wood family? Marie Trevillion Jeri's mother could not come to the trial because she knew she did not stand to see her beautiful daughter and loving son in law in those horrible pictures .What about Jeri's daddy Anon? Diane, Denice, and Robin her sisters. They are hurting and in pain. They have taken off of their jobs every court date to be there. And what about the Woods, especially Hudson, who has lost both parents and his anchor in life, and you might as well say his only brother? Also there are John's parents, sister, and brother, and many aunts and uncles who loved John and Jeri very much. They are hurting. I am John's aunt by marriage, and Jeri was my best friend. I don't think I will ever get over the hurt and pain. So, yes, I know that the Whittingtons are hurting, but you have to remember the other side of the families, too. And Hudson is really the biggest loser of all because now he has no one, and the Whittingtons are suing him to take away all that he has, and he is absolutely innoncent of any wrong-doing.
To all the nay-sayers, our family just wants justice, but we also want to know the truth of what happened that horrible night. I will never believe that Conner was the only one involved in this tragedy. Let's wait and see after the trial.
she has not come to the trial because she knew sh
Posted by truthseeker (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 4:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To playgel I am sure that the Judge warned the the families that there would not be alowed, Ms.Whittining should have left right then. She knew that they were going to show terrible picturesof the crime scene.
Andto all that have comments about why Jeri's mother was not there it was she knew that she could not stand to see her baby's like that. She has forgiven Conner but know's he has to pay for what he has done.
To Duckhunter All I can say is you must have a lot of anger and hate with in you and you will never be happy with yiurself untill you can for give and let go of all that hate!!!
Posted by natchez500 (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 5 p.m. (Suggest removal)
great job natchez democrat I do hope the jury in Ls is better than Mississippi juries in MIss we look for ways to turn someone loose Also is it not true in La all you have to have to find someone guilty is 8 or 9 out of 12 unlike miss all must agree
Posted by natchez500 (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 5:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
DUCKHUNTER MISSISSIPPI NEEDS PEOPLE LIKE YOU ON JURIES GOD BLESS THE USA
Posted by cuzmommasaidso (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 7:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Everyone can say what they think Matt's mother should have not done or what she should do, but unless you are walked in her shoes you just can't understand her decisions. Some may choose not to attend so to avoid the photos and the details. And that's their choice. As the mother of Matt she made the choice to be there the DA would have made her aware of how graphic the photos and details were going to be. She also would have had the choice before hand to see all of this. Unless it was your son, you don't know what you would have chose to do. I can't believe anyone is suggesting that she stay at home and wait to be told what happened. This mother has faced the worst thing that can possibly happen to a mother. Nothing is worse that the loss of her child. I know this first hand. If seeing the photos is something she doesn't want planted in her mind then she could make the choice to not see them, but that's her choice. Not the choice of everyone around her to make for her. She needs understanding and support in what ever choice she makes. Just don't presume that you know what is best for her. It's not for the judge to decide if a family sould or should not be in the court room. The family has ever right to be there. If they choose to be. If not, it's their choice.
In my son's murder I did not leave any stones unturned that would be a surprise to me when we went to court. But that's just me. My life as I knew it came to an end the night he was murdered. I have nothing but time to keep up with the little *#%*~#% who killed him.
Some of you say that people like this have to live with it the rest of their lives. WHAT A JOKE! In my case, he doesn't seem to give it a second thought. After all he did this in Nov. '03 and in Sep. 04 he took a plea... another joke! And a slap in the face to my son. In Aug of '07 he walked out of prison. He's never seriously apoligized nor shown remorse. He can just sit back and laugh at the system that didn't make him pay enough. I don't care what people say about him having to answer to God one day.... I'm impatient. I want to see him pay while I can see it.
This Woods kid needs to pay too.
To Matt's mom, My Thoughts and Prayers are with you and all you have been through and all you are yet to go through.
Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 7:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
We're just expressing our opinions.
Posted by cuzmommasaidso (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 8:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
sayitloud, I wasn't meaning any disrespect to the fact that we all are here to express our opinions, I just feel that if anybody knows how someone is really feeling from their own experience it's worth menioning. All kinds of situations come up in the ND. Some of us know first hand and some of us are expressing opinions. That's what this is here for. I know that Matt's mom appreciates all who express their feelings and prayers for her and her family. I was just saying how I could relate to her situation. Please don't take offence. I certainly didn't mean any disrespect to anyone and their opinion. So Sorry if it came across like that. Please TRY to understand that after the loss of a child, especially to Murder there is a deep deep bitterness within you that never will go away. And sometimes it just makes us sound Bitchy. Truth is I Will NEVER Forgive and I Will NEVER Forget. And I'm sorry,but I do believe that God understands this even though he doesn't want it to be that way.
Posted by Choctaw (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 9:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
KNOE TV 8 just broke into the programming and announced that the Jury FOUND CONNOR WOOD,,,,,GUILTY OF 3 COUNTS OF MURDER!!!
More info on the 10:00 news!
Thank you God!!! AND the Jury!!!
Posted by PIangel (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 9:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
WOW THEY DID THAT FAST HOPE THIS NOT A TRICK FOR A MISS TRIAL ON DEFFENCE SIDE I SMELL SOMETHING FISH
BUT I HOPE FOR ALL INVOLED THAT THIS IS TRUE !!!!!!!
Posted by free_radical (anonymous) on April 17, 2008 at 12:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"bbeatty", you should have kept that to yourself. you have no business making any judgements about what this woman is going through and who would'nt need therapy after having her son brutally killed by this monster.
Posted by concernedrn (anonymous) on April 17, 2008 at 2:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
God bless both families of this horrible tragic event!
Posted by ntz143 (anonymous) on April 17, 2008 at 7:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
cuzmommasaidso.....my daughter decided to become a prosecutor because of the injustice in your son's case...she is going to law school in the fall. In that case, the judge, who should be removed from the bench, was a much as fault as the person who pulled the trigger. Your son, much beloved by his family and his friends, will never be forgotten.
Posted by rocketman (anonymous) on April 17, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The death penalty would go a long way in easing the pain of the survivors.
Posted by Annebelle (anonymous) on April 17, 2008 at 10:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Dear Bulldog72...one day when you least expect it God will put the most Beautiful smile upon your face you'll feel like the Sunshine yourself....Amen....God will always provide freedom, love and your heart will forgive & forget the awful pain when you ask God to come into your heart & Soul forever and comfort you. Jesus is your comforter and He won't let you suffer if only you'll let Him. Close your eyes and Pray for your Healing and then go and walk in The Faith Of God that all things will be better and their is life out there for you and you'll find it....like I said, "when you least expect it". Ask and ye will recieve sayeth the Lord, knock and it shall be opened unto you. Pray & read the Bible and you WILL FIND YOUR SUNSHINE AND COOL BREEZES...that much I can Promise you. Amen...and joy unto you all And my prayers are for all...Dear God, just be there as you are.
Posted by Peace007 (anonymous) on April 17, 2008 at 12:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
After assessing the scene, CPSO Chief Deputy Bobby (((Sheppard testified he and Ferriday Police Chief Investigator Johnny Evans went to the home of Dennis and Judy Whittington to inform them of what had happened.
“They were both very upset,” Sheppard said. “The father started calling out Matthew’s name, and tried to go into his room. When he could not, he ran outside and was able to gain entry into the room through an open window.”)))
The Whittingtons didn't know Matthew wasn't home until the police came and informed them that he had been shot? Why had Matthew gone to the Woods home in the middle of the night? Did Connor call and ask him to come over just to set him up as the intruder? Was Connor angry at Matthew?
Was there a lie detector test done on Connor? He should be hypnotized to find out exactly what happened since he said it wasn't clear in his mind what did happen. To have shot his parents "while they were sleeping", so many times (in my opinion), shows that he was afraid and very angry with them.
Posted by Gimmeabreak (anonymous) on April 17, 2008 at 1:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hang that little SOB
Posted by Gimmeabreak (anonymous) on April 17, 2008 at 1:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sorry for the previous post but this story enrages me to no end. I am sorry for the Whittington family and the Woods boy's remaining family members. Please excuse my lack of tact above but it is how I truly feel.
Posted by LocustStorm (anonymous) on April 17, 2008 at 5:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
HOW "SURPRISING" (not) that the 911 call wasn't recorded because something WASN'T WORKING!!!!
Ridiculous!!
And was there no warning for Matthew's mother, that they were about to show a picture of her dead son????
Posted by LocustStorm (anonymous) on April 17, 2008 at 5:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm glad there wasn't a mistrial because of lack of professionals..... I don't have any blame for the mom reacting to seeing her son in that way - but someone professional should've been there to warn her or get her out of the room, or ANYTHING TO PREVENT A MISTRIAL.
Posted by aboveitall (anonymous) on April 18, 2008 at 1:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Judy is my sister and yes, this was the first time she, or any of us had seen the pics. She has asked each week since 3-14-07 to know what exactly he went through but nobody could tell or show her due to the gag order issued by the judge. Her reaction was out of immense pain. We were warned that the pics would be graphic but she couldn't anticipate how she would react. Thanks to all who are concerned for her loss.
Posted by aboveitall (anonymous) on April 18, 2008 at 1:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
To Truthseeker... do you REALLY seek truth? I don't think you can handle that much evil pouring forth from Connor. Open you eyes and ears if you want to know the truth... Connor admitted to and was convicted of killing all three people. Exactly what sympathies do you want for him?
As for Hudson, he can blame his 'little brother' for what he's going through. As a matter of fact... All of the families may as well accept the facts as they were laid out in plain sight in court. I feel for your losses as I would any life God put on this earth but I will NEVER feel sorry for Connor and your family will just have to accept whatever comes it's way due to his decision. No one but Connor shot those many bullets that day but both of our families pay everyday for what he did.
Posted by cuzmommasaidso (anonymous) on April 18, 2008 at 11:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
ntz143, I'm so proud of her. And I totally agree about the judge. Thanks for speaking so sweetly of my baby.
I miss him so much.
Posted by cuzmommasaidso (anonymous) on April 18, 2008 at 12:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
aboveitall, I am so sorry that Matt's mother was not able to get the things she asked for earlier than before seeing them in the court room. I really don't know how much MS and LA law differ when it comes to all of that. I got most every thing I requested within weeks of my son's murder. One thing I didn't get or see was the taped interview with the murderer that was done the night of the murder and another the next morning. It wasn't that I was denied it, but it was "LOST". None of the others were lost, but that one was. (go figure) I even obtained the coronors report and pictures. (To this day I have NEVER opened that package)
But beings my sons murderer took a plea... (what a joke) nothing was shown in the court room.
Please tell Judy not to worry about what others or saying that she should do or shouldn't do regarding a suit. She will have to do what she feels in her heart to do. She can't express to you all exactly what that feels like. Please tell her that my thoughts and prayers are with her. Just be there for her. Don't try to understand her, because you just can't. God be with all of you as you help her deal with her pain.
Post a comment (Terms of Use Policy)
(Requires free registration.)