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Murray verdict reversedDanielle CooperDaily Texan StaffThe 3rd District Court of Appeals overturned the conviction of Lacresha Murray Thursday, accused of beating a 2-year-old to death in 1996 when she was 11 years old.Murray, who has been tried and convicted twice for the criminal offense, may now have to face a third trial, said Keith Hampton, Murray's attorney.The court reversed the judgment because statements made by Murray in an interview with law enforcement personnel and subsequently used in her trial were ruled inadmissibleAfter Jayla Benton's death, police questioned Murray for two hours at a children's shelter without the presence of her grandparents — her guardians — or a lawyer.The opinion states, We hold that the juvenile court's error in admitting these involuntary statements was not harmless.Rosemary Lehmberg, Travis County first assistant district attorney, said the final decision of the courts and the feelings of the victim's family will be considered as the district attorney's office decides whether or not to pursue another trial.Should the reversal ultimately be upheld, then we will make the final decision about retrial, Lehmberg said. And that will only be after we spend some time with Jayla's mother and family members on the issue of retrial.On May 24, 1996, after spending the day at Murray's grandparents' home, Benton died of massive internal injuries, including broken ribs and a ruptured liver.MURRAY/Page 2TSP FILE PHOTOLacresha Murray’s grandmother, above, and other friends and family have organized repeated protests since then 11-year-old Murray was initially convicted of beating a 2-year-old to death in 1996.
Newspaper Details
Austin Daily Texan
Austin, Texas, US
Fri, Apr 16, 1999
Page 1
Full Page
Clipped by
Jared T.
NA, NA 14 Aug 2023
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