|
|
| Calif. prison inmate testifies he killed his cellmate in self-defense |
| By Imperial Valley Press |
| Published: 12/29/2003 |
|
The first day of defense testimony began Dec. 18 in the capital murder trial of Calipatria State Prison inmate Joseph A. Barrett, who testified in his own defense claiming he was forced to kill his cellmate in an act of self-defense. Barrett allegedly stabbed Thomas Kent Richmond 13 times with an inmate-manufactured knife, or shank, on April 9, 1996. Six of the stab wounds pierced Richmond's lungs, heart and liver causing death from blood loss. Eric Beaudikofer, the lead attorney on Barrett's defense team, gave his opening argument telling jurors they would ultimately exonerate his client based on the evidence that would be presented by the defense. "The homicide that occurred in cell 146 on April 9, 1996, was justifiable in self-defense," said Beaudikofer. The administrative segregation unit at Calipatria State Prison, where Barrett and Richmond were housed, was considered the most violent such unit in the state prison system, said Beaudikofer. Administrative segregation units are where state prisons house their most violent inmates. Beaudikofer painted a picture of the racially charged atmosphere in the administrative segregation unit where inmates could never leave down their guard or show any signs of weakness for fear of being assaulted by other inmates. Richmond attempted to sneak out of his top bunk the evening of the homicide to attack Barrett, who had become suspicious of his cellmate's activities in the days leading up to the homicide, said Beaudikofer. Barrett described the prison's racially charged atmosphere during his testimony. According to Barrett, the inmates at the prison segregate themselves according to race for protection. Because of the constant threat of assault by other inmates it is necessary to make your own weapons, added Barrett. Barrett and Richmond initially got along well together as cellmates participating in such activities as getting drunk together by drinking "pruno," an inmate-brewed alcoholic beverage, and making shanks, said Barrett. However, Richmond's behavior became suspicious in the days leading up to his death when he stopped sharing "kites" with him, said Barrett. Kites are small notes written by inmates that are attached to strings with small weights on one end that are hurled underneath cell doors to link up with other hurled kites. Barrett said his suspicions over Richmond grew even more when he received a shank attached to a kite on April 8, 1996. Barrett explained the shank Richmond received was unusual because it was not wrapped as is typically done, indicating the weapon was meant for immediate use. Trial will resume today in the Imperial County Courthouse in El Centro, where Barrett will continue his testimony. |
MARKETPLACE search vendors | advanced search
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
|
Comments:
No comments have been posted for this article.
Login to let us know what you think