Crime

Victim in '09 bombing to testify at Mann trial

Monday, July 26th, 2010, 4:55pm

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - The U.S. attorney's office says the chairman of the Arkansas State Medical Board is expected to testify this week in the bombing trial of Dr. Randeep Mann.

Prosecutors say Dr. Trent Pierce is expected to testify Tuesday afternoon or sometime Wednesday. Pierce was nearly killed when a homemade bomb exploded in his driveway in February 2009 and has not spoken publicly about the blast.

Mann is accused of planning the attack in retaliation against the medical board. The board was investigating whether to revoke Mann's medical license at the time of the bombing.

Mann's trial began July 6, and his attorneys say he's innocent. No forensic evidence links Mann to the bomb found outside Pierce's home.

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Gun dealer says he sold grenades to Ark. doctor

Submitted by WMCTV Web Staff

Friday, July 23rd, 2010, 4:43pm

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - Jurors heard from a gun dealer who said he sold nearly 100 grenades to Dr. Randeep Mann, who is accused in the bombing at the home of the state medical board chairman.

Mann's defense attorneys worked Friday to show inconsistencies between 71-year-old Lloyd Hahn's testimony and earlier statements to authorities. Mann is charged with illegally possessing 98 unregistered grenades, along with bombing charges in the explosion that hurt Dr. Trent Pierce.

U.S. District Judge Brian Miller asked jurors if they wanted to see the live grenades. Three jurors indicated they didn't want the live grenades in court, so Miller said pictures and testimony about the explosives would have to suffice.

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Scientist: No DNA links Ark. doctor to grenades

Submitted by WMCTV Web Staff

Tuesday, July 20th, 2010, 3:51pm

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - A forensic scientist told jurors Tuesday that no DNA links Dr. Randeep Mann to 98 grenades found buried in an ammo can near the doctor's Pope County home.

But prosecutors remain confident that the unregistered grenades belonged to the doctor, who's charged in the bombing that hurt the chairman of the state medical board.

A Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives DNA analyst says he tested small samples of DNA found on the grenades and on the outside of the ammo can.

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Suspected bank robber claimed son needs a transplant during heist

Submitted by WMCTV Web Staff

Tuesday, June 15th, 2010, 11:00pm

By Jason Miles - bio | email

MARION, AR (WMC-TV) - A security guard was on duty at the Regions Bank in Marion the day after it was robbed by a suspect who explained to the teller in a note why he needed quick cash.

"That he had a son that was sick and needed a transplant," said Detective Freddy Williams of the Marion Police Department. "And that he's willing to do anything for his son."

The robber failed to mention what type of transplant his son needed. However, he did get away with an undisclosed amount of money after spending several minutes inside the bank.

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Relatives identify suspects in West Memphis shootings

Submitted by Jason Plank, WMCTV.com

Friday, May 21st, 2010, 12:07pm

The suspects in a double shooting Thursday that left two West Memphis police officers dead have been identified by relatives as Jerry Kane, 45, and his son Joseph, 16, both of Ohio.

Additionally, Clark County, Ohio, Sheriff Gene Kelly said Arkansas State Police told him Friday that Jerry Kane was one of two people killed in the shootout in the parking lot of a Walmart store.

Arkansas police have not released the pair's names to the media.

Despite the their van's connection to New Vienna, Ohio, Action News 5 learned Friday that the Kanes were traveling to Florida - most likely the St. Petersburg or Clearwater area - where Kane's widow, Donna Lee, lives.

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Arkansas State Police release new details about shootout

Submitted by Jason Plank, WMCTV.com

Thursday, May 20th, 2010, 7:35pm

Arkansas State Police held a press conference this evening to release new details about today's shootings:

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Sen. Blanche Lincoln releases statement about West Memphis shootings

Submitted by Jason Plank, WMCTV.com

Thursday, May 20th, 2010, 2:59pm

U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln today released the following statement upon learning of the deaths of West Memphis Police Officers Brandon Paudert and Bill Evans:

“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Officers Brandon Paudert and Bill Evans, including West Memphis Police Chief Bob Paudert, who sadly lost his son, a fellow officer, in the incident,” said Lincoln.

“I also pray for the speedy recovery of the two Crittenden County Sheriff’s Deputies shot and wounded while apprehending the suspected shooters. Along with all Arkansans, I recognize the courage, bravery, and dedication of our Arkansas law enforcement officers, who risk their lives each day to keep our citizens safe. We must honor and remember these law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, as well as the family members, friends and fellow officers they left behind. I thank these public servants for their service and sacrifice.”

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