Key Witness From The Grave

A key witness in the murder trial of Theresa Parker died this past weekend. But, thank God the Prosecutor was on the ball and there is now a videotaped deposition in this case.

You remember Sam Parker the former Atlanta Police Sergeant accused of killing his estranged wife, Theresa Parker, who disappeared in March 2007. He also faces three other felonies — computer invasion of privacy, obstructing justice and violation of his oath as a law officer.
Mrs. Cordell, a neighbor of Parker's, testified via deposition for Floyd County District Attorney Leigh Patterson in May.

No surprise that Sam Parker’s lawyer, David Dunn, argued that allowing a deposition would violate his client’s constitutional right to face his accusers. He said the prosecution should bring its witnesses to court as everyone else does. And if you recall Theresa'a body has never been found.

I can hear Crawford vs Washington being used to reverse the judge’s decision. And I expect this case will likely be argued based on the video testimony to go all the way to the Supreme Court.
The judge has allowed the videotaped deposition by the neighbor into the trial.

Article: Judge keeps Parker in jail
Article: Chattanooga: Judge denies separation of charges for Parker
PDF: Indictment against Sam Parker and motions from defense lawyers and prosecutors
Article: Georgia: Sam Parker talks about life in jail
Article: Investigators use robotic camera to search well, Blue Hole for clues or body of Theresa Parker
Judge denies bond for Sam Parker
Parker bond pending judge’s decision
Parker facing more charges