AND THAT IS ALL

Judge Smith delivers the announcement to the HPO

Amos 5:24

but let justice roll on like a river

righteosness like a never failing stream

A NEW GANG

District Attorney Barrett Dye is being sworn in as

he takes the place of prosecutor David Scott who passed away suddenly at the young age of 53.

Dye will be leaving the position at the end of his term and the new DA will take over the new trial 

IF 

one is granted to Chuckwa

Joe Meraz is the only candidate to file for a place and will become the new District Attorney

In the March primary, a new District Judge was elected to replace retiring Judge William Smith.  Smith has served as judge for Hansford, Ochiltree and Hutchinson County for 20 + years

Judge William D. Smith

After attending a forum where Brancheau and his opponent spoke in a forum, I was won over by one single comment Brancheau made and it was this...

I have been asked how I can defend a murderer when I know they are guilty and my answer is this...everyone in our country has a right to a fair trial and yes it might be hard to defend a bad person, but when I find myself in that position, I fight for the law...I fight to defend what is right and true and so my effort is spent in defending the law.

I am extremely intrigued with what will happen in this case.  It could be one of a few scenarios, including that a new hearing will be denied and "that will be that".  But if Chuckwa is granted a new hearing, he will be appointed a new defense attorney, and all the others will be new as well.  

In no way has Chuckwa ever implied his innocence and in no way have I every written a word to him that conveyed I accepted that he took the life of another man.  It is a very strange position to be in when one finds one's self able to carry on a human connection with someone who has done something bad.  I believe we all have that capacity in our core...most all of us are capable of forgiveness.  And forgiveness is not mine to grant to Chuckwa, but I am able to see a side to this case that perhaps, he indeed, did not receive justice....12 of his peers may get the opportunity to decide.

The decision might make a difference in 20 years or 40 years...

ALL HE WANTED

I can scarcely believe that I have been corresponding with Chuckwa since September 7, 2012.  In fact, I am keeping it all in a notebook and had to go back and look to make sure it had been that long.

All he ever wanted was a chance to change his mind about giving up his right to a trial.  When Chuckwa was arrested and plead guilty to capital murder, he admits he was still highly intoxicated and just finally said "yes" so he could stop being interrogated.

He never said he didn't shoot Mr. Miller, he just said he never meant to shoot him.  While making a plea deal might have saved Ochiltree County taxpayers money by not holding a trial, it cost Chuckwa his life...he gave away his life when he agreed to serve 40 years.

After the reality set in and sobriety took over...he realized he had made a grave mistake and might have even been treated unfairly by then District Attorney, David Scott.

Time will tell...my hope and prayer for Chuckwa has always been for him to let his voice and story be heard...just in case.

I simply could not believe it when I saw on my own paper...this headline.  More than 4 years of a daily prayer...this my friends, is a lesson in faith and the reason why we pray.

God hears us..He wants us to pray...He has HIS answers in HIS time.  

The story, in all the twists and turns, comes humbly back home to me...talk to God...in all things, about all things, for all things.

Isaiah 30:21
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it."

The story continues....

Murder Trial Could Be Coming To Ochiltree County In Case That Was Pled Out In 2011

Chuckwa Don Crabtree

Sources have told KXDJ News that an Ochiltree County murder case, that led to a plea deal in 2011, is possibly, if not likely, coming back for a new trial because of errors made by then Ochiltree County attorney, the late David Scott.

In a recent interview with current Ochiltree County Attorney Barrett Dye, KXDJ’s Chris Samples asked him about the case of Chuckwa Don Crabtree and the murder of Mike Miller. “We’ll have to take a look at everything at play. I’m going to do what I have to do,” said Dye.

Hear more from Dye by clicking here.

On Wednesday, October 27 of 2010, authorities were called to a home south of Perryton where Miller was found, having been shot once. Crabtree, who had been caring for Miller, was charged with murder the following day. In August of 2011, Crabtree took a 40 year plea deal in the case.

Crabtree has not officially appealed but has filed a hand written request for writ of habeas corpus, basically asking “why are you holding me? Something has been done incorrectly.” He is basically asking for a new trial. The Court of Criminal Appeals could grant the request for a new trial or simply authorize a new punishment hearing.

If a new trial is granted, Crabtree would come back to Ochiltree County to await a new trial.