Whenever someone faces criminal charges for a violent crime, it is always a very serious matter. Because the penalties for a crime such as murder carry significant punishment, it is essential that convictions come with indisputable evidence provided against the defendant. A man is currently facing charges of murdering a Syracuse man in 2008, after bodily remains were found in a shallow grave.
In 2008, the Syracuse man and his vehicle went missing. It took two years for his remains to turn up in a shallow grave near a creek. The man's skeleton showed evidence that he had been murdered.
Since the body was recovered in 2010, authorities have charged a man with murder, after he apparently targeted the Syracuse man. Witnesses are set to testify that the man mentioned that he wanted to harm the Syracuse man, who had recently received a workers' compensation settlement. Authorities believe that the accused sold the Syracuse man's car in another state after he was killed. The man that was killed was also a known drug dealer.
The defense does not believed the evidence the prosecution has gathered will be sufficient to secure a conviction. As the trial began, the defense argued that the accused man purchased the car and the prosecution is "relying on isolated bits of information," rather than solid, conclusive evidence.
In any criminal trial, the prosecution must provide evidence that the accused undoubtedly committed the crimes for which they have been charged. If there is any uncertainty about the accused person's guilt, then they cannot be charged with a crime. A serious case, such as this one, is a reminder that anytime someone is accused of a crime they should utilize their right to a capable defense attorney. After all, everyone deserves their day in court.
Source: The Post-Standard, "Trial begins for man suspected of killing Syracuse man whose skeletal remains were found in a shallow grave in Oneida," Alaina Potrikus, Feb. 1, 2012
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