A Tale of Two Carnies

27 - The Judge's Ruling

After lunch, the prosecutor called to the stand a lab technician who testified the blood on the sleepshirt found in Cozbi's trailer positively belonged to the victim, Marlin Cleveland.

Once again, Alvin Armstrong had no questions for the witness. I really started to doubt his competence. I was no attorney, but even I could think of a relevant question to ask the technician, namely how did he know the shirt belonged to Cozbi? Did he match her DNA with perspiration stains from the material? The results of that analysis might prove the shirt had been planted. What was wrong with Alvin? Why wasn't he doing his job?

I began grinding my teeth in frustration.

Next up, District Attorney Beagle called to the stand Clayton Slannery, Deputy Sheriff. While the man was being sworn in, I studied Alvin Armstrong. Was he going to let this witness off the hook too, with no cross-examination?

Deputy Slannery was well put together, military haircut in his late twenties, neatly pressed uniform, polished shoes, and sitting in the witness box at full attention. He answered the prosecutor's questions with authority and confidence, exuding a commanding presence. All the jurors were fixed on his every word.

He testified how he had been first on the scene and took charge of the investigation. He called in the state police and together they cordoned off the area, not allowing anyone to enter or leave the carnival grounds. Sheriff Pine had been out of town at the time of the call, and it would take him a few hours to return. He had called for the county coroner, and while Dr. Jenkins examined the body in situ, the deputy questioned Marcus Greene.

DA Beagle: "How successful were you in obtaining information from Mr. Greene?"

Deputy Slannery: "He wasn't forthcoming with actionable information. He wasn't a witness to the crime, and he couldn't offer a reason as to why anyone might want to harm the deceased."

Beagle: "Did you question anyone else from the carnival at that time?"

Slannery: "No, sir. I decided to wait for Sheriff Pine to arrive on scene to determine the interview protocol since there would be a lot of people to interview."

Beagle: "Take us through the steps that led you to believe the defendant killed Marlin Cleveland and her subsequent arrest."

Slannery: "I know the fire department crew since we often work together as first responders. While waiting for Sheriff Pine, I walked into the firehouse to see if I could get a cup of coffee and use the bathroom. The call had come in very early, and I hadn't had a chance to eat breakfast."

Beagle: "Let me interrupt you to clarify. The firehouse is located where with respect to the carnival grounds?"

Slannery: "It's immediately adjacent. The carnival operates on fire company property."

Beagle: "You felt comfortable walking away from the scene of the crime?"

Slannery: "As I testified earlier, the state police were there to make sure nobody entered or left. I checked in with them to let them know I would be taking a break."

Beagle: "Thank you. You may proceed."

Slannery: "While I was in the firehouse, I found Garth Renfro, the fire chief, and Len Simpson, the treasurer. It was at that time the two of them revealed the heated exchange between the deceased and the defendant."

Beagle: "Did you speak with anyone else besides those two?"

Slannery: "Yes, I greeted a few other fellows I know, but none of them had anything relevant to say about the case."

Beagle: "What did you do next?"

Slannery: "After hearing what Garth and Len told me, I thought it appropriate for me to go ahead and question the defendant.