byron case transcripts 31 sentencing

8/14/2019 Byron Case Transcripts 31 Sentencing

1/22

Sentencing of Byron Case

Conclusion of State of Missouri v. Byron Case

June 28, 2002

Pages 1249-1290

1249Opening of Court

1250 Defendant's statement1256 Ruling on defense motions

Victim impact statements

1260 Francesca WitbolsFeugen

1262 Robert C. WitbolsFeugen

Testimonials for defendant

1266 Mike Myers

1268 Evelyn Case

Remaining proceedings

1273 Defense plea for leniency

1279 Judge's findings

1285 Imposition of sentence

Page 1249

THE COURT:

We'll go on the record in the case that's been styled State of Missouri vs. Byron C. Case, cause

number CR2001-03527. Record should reflect Mr. Case is here in person represented by his counsel, Mr.

Lance, and that Mr. Fry is here on behalf of the people of the State of Missouri.

The case comes before the Court for the purpose of dealing with a motion for judgment of acquittalnot withstanding the verdict of the jury or, in the alternative, for a new trial; and also, should that motion be

denied, the Court intends to take up the issue of sentencing at this time.

So with that being said, the first matter I wish to address, Mr. Lance, do you want to make any other

additional record on your motion, other than the written document that's been placed before the Court?

MR. LANCE:

No additional record, Judge. I believe the matters -- the issues raised were thoroughly discussed at

the trial. I don't think it would benefit anyone to reargue all the issues today.

Page 1250

So at this time, the defense will stand on the written motion previously filed. I would add my client

has an additional issue I think he wants to speak to.

THE COURT:

Is it one that we need to deal with before or after I rule on the motion?

MR. LANCE:

I think it Is an issue related to the idea that he would request a new trial -- grant him a new trial.

That's why I bring it up at this point. I think it will be brief.


2/22

THE COURT:

All right. Hold on for just a moment. Before I ask you to make any comment, Mr. Lance -- in other

words, your client wishes to make a statement regarding new trial issues?

MR. LANCE:

Yes.

THE COURT:

All right. Mr. Case, although you are represented, if you have a statement you wish to make at this

time, I'll allow you to make that statement.

THE DEFENDANT:

Thank you, Your Honor. If for no other reason than to make it a matter of record, I would like to

bring to the attention of the Court an issue of serious concern.

Page 1251

During the course of my trial, some people made my attorney, Mr. Lance, aware that they witnessed

Your Honor repeatedly nodding off to sleep. Mr. Lance never said a word of this to me until I laterconfronted him about it.

THE COURT:

Excuse me. Who nodded off to sleep?

THE DEFENDANT:

You did, sir.

THE COURT:

Okay.

THE DEFENDANT:

By that point, the trial was already over, however. Then, to compound the matter, he never

mentioned this as either an amended version of his motion for new trial or as an addendum to that

document.

I feel this is one of the examples of my counsel's, frankly, ham-handed way of dealing with my

defense and of what I feel is a blatant disregard for my right to fair trial. I don't think it's any excuse of

professional embarrassment that can possibly be acceptable when dealing with the issue of deciding

people's lives.

Page 1252

The only viable resolution that I see, and I hope that you see as well, sir, is that at this point I think

the best thing would be to overthrow the jury's verdict and declare a mistrial.

THE COURT:

Okay. Anything else that you want to say?


3/22

THE DEFENDANT:

No, Your Honor.

THE COURT:

All right. Do you want to address the issue either of Mr. Lance's motion or the comments made by

Mr. Case?

MR. FRY:

I'll do both, Your Honor. I do agree with Mr. Lance. The issues raised in the motion for new trialpresented by Mr. Lance are timely and ruled upon by the Court were thoroughly litigated, very aggressively

litigated by defense counsel and aggressively litigated by the State. We have no further argument to make.

We think the Court made the right rulings, obviously, during the case, except for those rulings where you

kept evidence that the State had that we wanted to get in out, and that's not an issue anymore.

Page 1253

In regard to the last remark made by the Defendant, I think the record should reflect that I was here

present the entire time, and I don't think the record is reflecting any insinuation that I fell asleep at theswitch at any time. I was alert, and I noticed that the Court was totally at all times aware and not nodding

off. And if needed to testify, would testify as such. I think any insinuation that you were not attentive at all

is incorrect.

THE COURT:

All right. I'm just sitting here pondering the issue of -- my distinct recollection is I'm very confident

that I didn't nod off at all during this trial, because I recall this trial very well. And I recall, among otherthings, that I thought it was an extremely well-tried case by both sides. The only hesitation that I have is I'm

trying to decide what -- it's sort of a novel -- it's a novel position for a defendant to take, and I'm sitting here

trying to think if there is any other way I should respond to it. So that's my hesitation.

MR. LANCE:

Judge, if I may.

Page 1254

THE COURT:

Yes, Mr. Lance.

MR. LANCE:

The reason I allowed my Defendant to raise that, even though I never raised it, he views it as an

additional point that should have been in my motion for new trial. He's concerned that, if the Court wasnodding off at various times, how could proper rulings have been made on evidentiary objections.

He views it as a concern that I should have put in the motion for new trial. That's why I allowed him

to raise it.

Now it's just an additional point we would argue today for granting him a new trial. That's our only

belief or only ruling that we're asking.


4/22

THE COURT:

Well, I hate to put you in this position, Mr. Lance, but are you suggesting that you witnessed the fact

that I was nodding off or sleeping during the trial?

MR. LANCE:

I personally did not observe that, but I understand other people in the courtroom claim they did see

this happen.

THE COURT:

Okay.

MR. FRY:

Do you want to hear evidence on it?

Page 1255

THE COURT:

Well, I'm going to be very candid with everyone. I'm very much aware of what happened in this

trial. I basically find the allegations -- to be charitable, I find them frivolous. But at the same token it's a

murder case, and I want to make sure that if someone wants to put forth the evidence, I'm trying to figure

out exactly how we should deal with it on the record. I don't want this record in any way to suggest that I

take any credence in those statements, because it is just simply not true.

MR. FRY:

I would make the suggestion, Your Honor, to go ahead and rule on it. It sounds like it would be

inappropriate for you to make a ruling on any kind of accusation against yourself and that it's properly

preserved for review by another court at this time.

THE COURT:

Well, I think what I'm going to do is, first of all, I'm going to consider the motion for judgment of

acquittal, and for a new trial.

Page 1256

I'm going to consider it in two separate fashions. I'm going to consider first the motion filed by Mr.

Lance in its entirety. Then I'm going to consider the motion filed by Mr. Case.

As relates to the motion filed by Mr. Lance, I have reviewed the motion, and I believe that the

motion recites issues that were, in fact, raised at the trial and deals with evidentiary issues that wereproperly presented and ruled upon.

I think that the new trial motion does, in fact, renew those objections, and, in fact preserves those

issues. The objections that are raised in the new trial motion, my rulings on them would be the same, and I

believe that they were correct legal rulings at the time.

I also believe that, under the standard of Jackson vs. Virginia, in which, in order for me to submit a

case to the jury, I am to do two things. I am to, one, give all due deference to the State as relates to the

posture of the case; and then, with that standard I am to then ask the following question:


5/22

Page 1257

Could a reasonable juror under the circumstances find the Defendant guilty beyond a reasonable

doubt. And I find that the State did, in fact, meet that burden and it was properly submitted.

So, for those reasons, I find that the motion filed by Mr. Lance, motion for judgment of acquittalnotwithstanding the verdict of the jury or, in the alternative, for a new trial, I find that motion -- I do hereby

overrule that motion.

As relates to Mr. Case's motion, I further make the following comments that those -- the issues that

are suggested by Mr. Case I find not supported by evidence. I find that they are untimely made and not

properly before the Court, and further, I find that they are without merit.

It seems to me that, if I were to allow a Defendant, independent of counsel, after the time of filing a new

trial motion, to raise issues of judicial misconduct that I would open the floodgates to all kinds of problems,

especially considering that post-sentence Mr. Case, as would any Defendant, would have the opportunity to

proceed in a post-conviction motion, and he could litigate these issues and present evidence on those issues.

Page 1258

And further, for the benefit of Mr. Case, at this point in time, if such issue is raised in a post-conviction

motion, I would likely recuse myself on post-conviction motion and make myself available to testify.

I just think that logistically, for me to treat it in any other way, would create a serious dilemma and a

very bad precedent. Considering the fact that I consider the position absolutely and completely meritless,

and I also find that it was raised at a point in time beyond the time for filing a new trial motion, and thus, I

don't have jurisdiction to hear it, it is untimely filed, for all of those reasons, I'm going to deny Mr. Case's

motion.

With that being said, we'll now proceed to the issue of sentencing. Here is how I intend to proceed.

If there is evidence -- testimonial evidence the State wishes to present, I will allow the State to

present that evidence.

Page 1259

Once the State has concluded with any testimonial evidence, if there is testimonial evidence the

Defendant wishes to present, I'll listen to that evidence.

I will, in that realm, couple of things to be noted. One, Mr. Case, as does every Defendant that

appears in front of me, has a right to make a statement -- an uncross examined statement in Litigation,

which I will allow him to make.

And secondarily, I have had the benefit of correspondence that has been submitted to me that I have

reviewed and will make part of the record. But, if there is additional testimonial evidence the Defendant

wishes to present, I'll allow that to be presented.

Then, thereafter, I will discuss with counsel any issues that may result from the pre-sentence investigation,which I suspect not to be substantial. And then I will hear any argument from the State, any argument from

the Defendant, and then I intend to impose sentence.

Page 1260

With that being said, Mr. Fry, is there testimonial evidence you wish to present on behalf of the

people of the State of Missouri?


6/22

MR. FRY:

Yes, there is, Your Honor. We have two witnesses.

THE COURT:

You may proceed.

MR. FRY:

Thank you very much.

(The witness was sworn by the Court.)

THE COURT:

Ma'am, couple things I might suggest. As counsel is aware, in this type of testimony, I would allow

substantial flexibility as relates to narrative responses.

Secondarily, ma'am, I'm going to ask that you follow one rule, that you address your comments tome and no one else.

THE WITNESS:

Yes.

THE COURT:

With that being said, you may proceed, Mr. Fry.

FRANCESCA WITBOLSFEUGEN, having been duly sworn by the Court testified:

DIRECT EXAMINATION BY MR. FRY:

Q.

Tell the court your name, please.

A.

Francesca WitbolsFeugen.

Page 1261

Q.

What is your relationship to the witness in this case?

A.

She is my sister.

Q.

Do you have remarks for the Court regarding the sentencing today?


7/22

A.

Yes, I have something prepared. I would just like to thank the Court for its invaluable service to the

community and my family. The wait, no matter how difficult, proved to be worth it. Justice served in thisway is better than any act of personal vengeance. We know the truth, no matter how difficult it is to accept,

and punishment will be given to the murderer.

Anastasia can now rest in peace. We can stop mourning her loss, and instead remember all the

wonderful times we had together without the grief of her crime unsolved.

That is all I have.

THE COURT:

All right. Is that all the questions you have, Mr. Fry?

MR. FRY:

No further questions.

THE COURT:

Mr. Lance, do you wish inquiry of this witness?

MR. LANCE:

No, Your Honor.

THE COURT:

Thank you very much, ma'am. Appreciate your testimony.

Page 1262

(The witness was excused.)

ROBERT WITBOLSFEUGEN, having been duly sworn by the Court, testified:

DIRECT EXAMINATION BY MR. FRY:

Q.

Would you tell the Court for the record your name, please.

A.

My name is Robert Christian WitbolsFeugen.

Q.

Sir, what was your relationship to the victim in this case?

A.

Anastasia was my daughter, my oldest daughter.


8/22

Q.

Did you come to court prepared with remarks regarding the sentencing?

A.

Prepared? Yes. But my words won't fit on a page. They come from my heart and, therefore, my

remarks are not prepared on paper. I do apologize, but I do wish to address my feelings. I wish first to thank

the Court and Your Honor. As my daughter has stated, the execution of the penalties is in your hands. We

thank you for listening to the evidence. We know that justice is illusive and that it doesn't always seem to fit

into the laws that are provided by man.

Page 1263

We have faith that you will be guided by higher powers to address the crime that has been

committed and find justice as it is permitted in this world.

I am pleased that I do not have the power or the authority to make that decision, for that decision

should be made in a calm and orderly fashion. My life has been anything but that these past years without

my daughter.

I felt anger, I felt pain, and much frustration. I tried to address that in the venues provided, and theywere wholly inadequate in addressing what I was feeling or what I thought should happen.

This Court was able to put into perspective by bringing the truth to light and I now feel that I can

live with the decision of this Court. My friends, my family, have been pulled apart and reassembled so

many different times and so many different ways, that it's difficult to express exactly what we are today.

We do know that the Defendant here today has set in motion many terrible things, many difficult

things that will last for a lifetime to deal with.

Page 1264

Anastasia's life is no more. Our memories are intact. However, she will not be able to live beyond

the 18 years which she was given.

Byron's life will most certainly be behind bars and in a very controlled situation. The victim's

family, much of which were separated from our past memories, our present is in turmoil, and our futuresare uncertain, but they will be better today because of the decision that this Court will be able to make

based upon the evidence that was presented in this court.

There was much unsaid, much silence, much of the truth probably would never come out. Justin,

another young man, lost his life. Witnesses that came forward, not knowing the entire truth. Witnesses that

came forward knowing the truth and not telling it. And still others that never had a chance to speak. We'll

all go our separate ways and deal with the decision of this Court.

But I can tell you, that I have faith in your decision, and your proclamation, and I will welcome that

today.

Thank you.

THE COURT:

All right. Any inquiry you wish to make, Mr. Lance?


9/22

Page 1265

MR. LANCE:

No, Sir.

THE COURT:

All right. Thank you very much.


MR. FRY:

Those are all the testimonial witnesses the State has, Your Honor.

THE COURT:

No further evidence from the State, testimonial evidence?

MR. FRY:

No, Sir.

THE COURT:

It's come to my attention that someone may have a recording device on in the courtroom. Candidly,

if they do, that's fine. I really don't care.

Obviously, I'm going to make available -- I'm going to order a transcript of these proceedings just so

if there is any question about it in the future litigation. I think clearly what occurred in this courtroom is --there is nothing that has occurred in this courtroom that's not been a matter of transcript Ms. Fox has taken

down. So, if someone here wants to record what I have said or what goes on, that's fine with me in an audio

kind of situation.

Page 1266

But, obviously, I intend to prepare a transcript for the benefit of both appellate review and for

anyone else's review, and that transcript will be available to anyone that wants to purchase a copy of it.

So should we get to the point that there is litigation after today, I think it should be clear there is

nothing going on in this courtroom that's not being done in open court with the presence of Ms. Fox here,

and that record should certainly be the record that should be utilized in any future litigation.

With that being said, Mr. Lance, do you have any testimonial evidence you wish to put forth?

MR. LANCE:

Yes. We have two witnesses also, Your Honor.

THE COURT:

All right. You may proceed.

MR. LANCE:


10/22

Michael Myers.

MICHAEL MYERS, having been duly sworn by the Court, testified:

DIRECT EXAMNATION BY MR. LANCE:

Q.

For the record, please state your name.

A.

Mike Myers.

Q.

What is your relationship to the Defendant, Byron Case?

Page 1267

A.

Friend of the family.

Q.

How long have you known Byron?

A.

Since he was seven.

Q.

On behalf of Byron Case, do you wish to address the Court?

A.

Yes.

Q.

Go right ahead.

A.

Your Honor, my name is Mike Myers. I have known Byron Case since he was seven years old. He isvery intelligent, passive, and completely nonviolent. He is always well-mannered, soft-spoken and well

liked. During the four day trial, only one person had anything bad to say about him.

Byron has never been a threat to society, nor to his friends or family. I believe he is innocent, and I

am very concerned for his safety in our prison system.

Also, I'm horrified that his life depends on the dramatic performance of the prosecutors and the

testimony of a crack addict.


11/22

I beg the Court to overturn the jury's verdict against this wrongfully accused young man whom we

all love. Thank you.

THE COURT:

All right. Anything further, Mr. Lance?

Page 1268

MR. LANCE:

No.

THE COURT:

Do you wish inquiry, Mr. Fry?

MR. FRY:

No, Your Honor.

THE COURT:

All right. Thank you, Sir. Appreciate your testimony.


MR. LANCE:

Evelyn Case.

EVELYN CASE, having been duly sworn by the Court, testified:

DIRECT EXAMINATION BY MR. LANCE:

Q.

For the record, please state your name.

A.

My name is Evelyn Case.

Q.

What is your relationship to Byron Case?

A.

I'm his mom.

Q.

Do you wish to address the Court on behalf of Byron Case?

A.


12/22

Yes, I do.

Q.

Please go ahead.

THE WITNESS:

Good afternoon, Your Honor.

Page 1269

THE COURT:

Good afternoon.

THE WITNESS:

I wish we could stop meeting like this. However, this tragedy has been overwhelming on our mental

balance. Life has been totally unfair, and we all, the WitbolsFeugens, the Brutons, are living proof of this.

So as we take the next unfamiliar steps, I have the moral courage to speak up on behalf of my onlyson.

He has been dealt a bad hand in this game of life on pure speculations and made a scapegoat. A lot

of people had a strong emotional interest in seeing Byron convicted. He had no motive to falsify and has

been telling the truth from the beginning.

One of our favorite quotes by Mary Brown, "The elegance of honesty needs no adornment." I

implore you to please read the statements of supporters, if you haven't yet, for a positive look for a changebefore you decide his future.

I personally not give up our journey to justice until his good and all his foot soldiers will name iscleared.

Thank you for listening.

THE COURT:

All right. Thank you, ma'am. Just a moment, if I might.

Did you have any questions, Mr. Fry?

Page 1270

MR. FRY:

No, Your Honor.

THE COURT:

Thank you, ma'am. Appreciate your testimony.



13/22

MR. LANCE:

That's the only testimonial witnesses we have.

THE COURT:

All right. Mr. Fry, have you had an opportunity to review the pre-sentence investigation in thiscause?

MR. FRY:

I have, Your Honor.

THE COURT:

Keeping in mind, if there are matters in the document you wish to bring to my attention during the

course of any statement you may make, you're certainly welcome to do so. But in a factual sense, do you

believe the document in any fashion is inaccurate?

MR. FRY:

The State believes it's accurate. We know nothing that's inaccurate.

THE COURT:

Mr. Lance, have you had a chance to review the document with your client?

MR. LANCE:

Yes.

THE COURT:

Have you reviewed it yourself also?

Page 1271

MR. LANCE:

Yes.

THE COURT:

And, obviously, I'm aware of the fact from the pleadings and the statements that have been made,

obviously, the version of the offenses as recited in the State's case, I understand that is in agreement. That's

why we had the trial.

I understand to that extent. But other than that, in terms of background information and other

information in the pre-sentence investigation, do you wish to make any record regarding the factualaccuracy of this document?

MR. LANCE:

No, Your Honor.

THE COURT:


14/22

All right. Mr. Fry, do you wish to be heard on the issue of sentencing?

MR. FRY:

I do, Your Honor.

THE COURT:

All right. You may proceed.

MR. FRY:

There really is only one sentence that's provided for murder in the first degree, the State, having not

sought the death penalty, and that is life without parole. And I know that's just the plain fact.

Page 1272

You do have an armed criminal action charge that you have to address, and I think the armed

criminal action charge can be used by the Court to express ft gravity of this me and the depth of the harm

that was done and the jury to the family.

Quite frankly, I see or sense a tone that there is always some degree of mistrust in the criminaljustice system, be it from the Defendant who wants to continue to claim that he's not guilty, but from the

family of the victim who feels like sometimes it doesn't work and the truth doesn't come out and verdicts

aren't right.

The distrust that I think could be remedied is to have you give a life sentence on armed criminal

action. And in the event that somebody in the future somehow says, well, life without parole is now cruel

and unusual, that you express some depth on this case by running these sentences consecutive so that, if

there is ever any future consideration for mitigating the life without parole sentence, that the significanceand consequences of the Defendant's actions that flow from this murder are reflected in your sentence and

allowed to be reflected by any parole board consideration in the future.

Page 1273

Other than, that, Your Honor, I have no further remarks for the Court. Thank you.

THE COURT:

All right. Mr. Lance, I'll allow you to make any statement in mitigation, and I'll also allow your

client to make a statement in litigation also. You can proceed in either order you deem appropriate.

MR. LANCE:

Judge, on behalf of Mr. Case, we are asking for leniency on Count Two. In response to the State's

argument, I would remind the Court of the weakness of the State's evidence, that it was basically relianceon the testimony of one witness.

It's clear you already have a feel for Defendant's position and his family's position, that the jury

made an error -- tragic error -- but an error. And I think you consider that possibility in considering leniency

on Count Two.

Page 1274


15/22

My final report is I would remind the Court of the many, many letters of support that the

Defendant's attorney provided to the Court. Basically, there were two packets of letters that were provided

to the Court.

One basically in the form of a petition for everyone to sign the same form letter, but also numerous lettersin the other packet, very personalized letters, asking for, basically, the letters as a whole are talking as a

plea for innocence, actual innocence. But if a plea for innocence can be regarded as also a plea for leniency,we would ask you to consider those many numerous letters in that regard.

I believe that's all I had to say.

THE COURT:

Mr. Case, do you wish to address the Court before the imposition of sentence?

THE DEFENDANT:

No, Your Honor.

THE COURT:

All right. Is there any reason why sentence should not now be imposed?

MR. FRY:

Not from the State, Your Honor.

MR. LANCE:

No legal reason, Your Honor.

Page 1275

THE COURT:

All right. Give me a moment, if you would. I did grant allocution, did I not?

MR. FRY:

Yes, you did, Judge.

THE COURT:

Well, obviously, I had the opportunity to preside over the trial, which includes some pretrial matters

where we discussed the evidence to some substantial extent.

In fact, as the record will reflect in the pretrial matters there was evidence that was sought to beexcluded by both sides. And although some of the evidence I allowed, substantial amounts of the evidence

the State wished to put on I excluded. I was aware of all those circumstances.

I then was the trial judge that heard the evidence in the case, not only in terms of the statements and

arguments of counsel and lawyers, but I heard the witnesses, and I saw the demeanor of the witnesses.

I have had the opportunity to review the pre-sentence investigation, motion for judgment of acquittal; and I

have had the opportunity to review the pre-sentence investigation, obviously.


16/22

Page 1276

I've had the opportunity to review two separate sets of documents that have been provided to me by

Mr. Case or by Mr. Lance on behalf of Mr. Case, one of which is a set of documents that I consider to be, as

I think was described and I consider it to be the equivalent of a petition signed by many members andfriends talking about Mr. Case and suggesting that I, if at all possible, consider leniency as best that I can.

I have reviewed the -- they are signed by a number of different people.

The substance of those letters are identical, but I have reviewed those.

There is also a series of letters by different individuals that have been presented to me by Mr. Case

or by Mr. Lance on behalf of Mr. Case. And I have considered those letters also.

Those letters to a degree -- at least to some degree talk about the fact that -- the dismay with the

verdict and the fact that Mr. Case is mild mannered, loving kind of person, saying good things about Mr.

Case.

Page 1277

And I don't have any reason to question the veracity of those letters from the folks that said those things.The letters also contain a variety of comments regarding the trial itself.

And everyone, not only in a legal sense, but in a First Amendment sense, has a right to judge what

occurred in this courtroom. it's a public courtroom and anyone who saw the trial or witnessed it or sees a

transcript of it has every right to take any attitude they wish and to make any appraisal of the trial that they

wish to make.

Included in this appraisal is criticism of Defendant's counsel and also criticism of the prosecutor.

And although it has no bearing on this sentence that I intend to impose today, I will tell you that, in the

short time that I have been on the bench, which will be in two months six years, I would suggest that this is,if not the best as good as any case that's been tried in front of me.

The lawyers were professional. They were to the point. They understood the law.

Page 1278

They were persuasive. They were excellent, excellent advocates. And whatever the result of this

verdict if the verdict had been not guilty, I would be saying the same thing.

I think, in an objective sense, it's unfair to characterize the conduct of these lawyers on either side as

anything but exemplary. In particular, in cases such as this where there is substantial emotion and much at

stake, it's often easy to second-guess the side that loses.

And I will tell you, in my opinion, that Mr. Lance tried an excellent case for this young man and he

did nothing but reaffirm my extremely high regard for him.

And so while those of you who wrote these letters have a First Amendment right to say what your

appraisal of the trial, and I respect that, I ask that you respect my statement; that from a professional whohas been involved in the criminal justice system now for over 20 years, this was an extremely well-tried

case, and the performance of these lawyers was truly excellent.

Page 1279


17/22

And I would hope -- if comments on whether the trial was fair or not, I can only tell you that it was

this Court's effort and desire, as it is every time I take this bench, to try to be as even-handed and as fair as I

possibly can be.

Whether that was the result of this trial, maybe a higher court will decide some day. But with thatbeing said, I have reviewed these letters, and I have taken them into consideration.

The system that we have I think can be described as an imperfect system, but I am firmly of the

belief that it is the best system on earth, and it is one that I am proud to be a part of, and I think it is the

most just system that the people of this earth have ever designed.

In this case, it was a case, as everyone realizes, in which there was the death of a young girl, brutal

murder of a young girl. It was undisputed that the likely last three people to see this young girl was thisDefendant, Ms. Moffett, and Mr. Bruton.

Page 1280

We are uncertain of what Mr. Bruton's version of what happened that night is because he committed

suicide shortly after the death of Anastasia WitbolsFeugen.

From the outset, Mr. Case and Ms. Moffett initially claimed no knowledge of the events that led tothe death of this young lady, and the case remained unsolved for I believe over three years, if memory

serves me correctly.

The evidence then changed when Ms. Moffett came forward and gave a detailed version of what she

said happened in the cemetery that night, which included her version of the facts which was that Mr. Case

shot Anastasia WitbolsFeugen to death.

Mr. Case testified in trial and denied those allegations and denied that that happened.

Ms. Moffett had made a variety of statements previously contrary to her testimony at trial. And shehad readily admitted that from the time of this event, when she was approximately 15 years old, until now

that she has certainly traveled a rough and tortuous road. She has admitted to drug abuse, being involved in

a variety of rehab type programs, and being addicted to narcotics, being a runaway, and all those kinds ofthings.

Page 1281

Based upon that evidence, if a jury had considered that and considered that as the credibility of thiswitness and returned a verdict of not guilty, I would have accepted that verdict; and I would not have

quarreled with that verdict and that a jury could have rendered such a verdict.

But, equally so, there was very persuasive evidence that this Defendant is guilty of the murder of

Anastasia WitbolsFeugen. The witness -- the evidence against Mr. Case is more than just the testimony of

Kelly Moffett.

First of all, the version of events that were described in the police statements after the homicide byMr. Case and by then Ms. Moffett, in the Court's view, in many ways, defy believability.

Page 1282

The Defendant's version of this case was that somehow in a fit of rage this young woman left the car

at the area of I-435 and Truman Road and just happened on the way home to matriculate into a cemetery

and just happened to run into some wanton person who just happened to have a shotgun and who just

happened to be able to inflict a wound upon her that was clearly a contact wound consistent with the

testimony of Ms. Moffett; and further that it just so happened that this person was able to do it with


18/22

absolutely no struggle from this victim, because there was no forensic evidence of such struggle, I find that

to be a difficult story to believe and to consider to be reasonable.

Although certainly not dispositive, the suicide of Mr. Bruton after the fact is certainly very

troublesome. And as I say, not dispositive, but certainly fits, is consistent in many ways with the theory ofthis Defendant committing this murder.

I also believe from the testimony that was presented that there really was no motive that I think is

believable that would give Kelly Moffett a reason to lie and to incriminate this Defendant.

Page 1283

The evidence was that their relationship had long since severed well before she came forward; that

the contact with each other was very insubstantial at the time she came forward; and I found no evidence

that would suggest a real motive for her going from claiming innocence to putting herself in a trick bag for

conspiracy to commit murder, and somehow putting in prison an innocent person who she had once had a

relationship with.

I just didn't find a motive that seemed reasonable to me. I suspect the jury may well have thought

that also.

Another thing that I think needs to be suggested it was more than just the testimony of KellyMoffett in that the testimony of Kelly Moffett, as much as you can criticize it, based upon her background

and her drug use and the like, but for her version of the events in the cemetery, her testimony in many ways

is corroborated by other witnesses favorable to the Defendant, and also witnesses that were independent,

including the people at the Dairy Queen and witnesses that Mr. Case put on himself.

Page 1284

Where they stopped, who they talked with, phone calls at 87th and I-35, stopping in the Plaza,

virtually everything Kelly Moffett said, except for the homicide itself, was corroborated by the Defendant's

own testimony. I think that was a persuasive consideration.

The jury, as did the Court, the jury also had the opportunity to view the demeanor of both Mr. Case

and Ms. Moffett, Ms. Moffett and Mr. Case. And they did and had the right to consider that in the verdict

that they rendered.

It is clear to me that the verdict that was rendered by the jury is supported by the evidence and that

the verdict, in a legal sense, is a verdict that should be sustained, and I have done so.

There is much to the evidence the State presented that presents a compelling picture that this

Defendant is, in fact, guilty of the charge and that the jury did the right thing.

Page 1285

It's an imperfect system, and my job is not to judge or prejudge the jury except in a legal context. I

find that the jury's evidence is supported by the verdict, and the evidence presented by the State presentsevidence of a very methodical and cold-blooded homicide and close to execution style.

For that reason, as to Count 1, as required by law, I hereby sentence the Defendant to life in the

penitentiary without the possibility of probation or parole.

As to Count 2, 1 hereby sentence the Defendant to life in prison for the crime of armed criminal

action.


19/22

I hereby order that those sentences shall run concurrently with each other.

Can I have an acknowledgment form, please. Mr. Lance, would you pass this to your client if you

would.

MR. LANCE:

Yes, Your Honor.

THE COURT:

Mr. Case, this is what's called an acknowledgment form. It sets forth what are called your post-conviction rights.

I'm going to allow you to keep this form so you can have it for your use. I'm going to explain to you

what the form says. If you have some questions, you can ask me, or you can confer with Mr. Lance also.

Page 1286

Any Defendant that is sentenced to a term of imprisonment in the Missouri Division of Adult Institutionshas what are called post-conviction rights.

I feel obliged to advise you of those rights as dictated by the Missouri Supreme Court. I'm not

necessarily suggesting you do or say anything. I'm merely telling you what your rights are.

You, as a convicted person going to prison, once you arrive at prison, you have 90 days to file a

motion in order to set aside your judgment and conviction in this case.

Since you went to trial, that motion would be governed by what is called Rule 29.15 of the Missouri

Supreme Court rules.

That rule provides that, within the first 90 days, you may file a pro se motion on what's called a

Form 40. Once you file such a motion, a lawyer will be appointed to represent you, and that lawyer willhave the ability to modify or amend that motion.

Page 1287

That lawyer will be required to do so within strict time limits as set forth by the rule itself.

Failure by you to follow the time constraints of the rule or failure for the lawyer to follow those

time constraints will likely result in you giving up the ability to ever raise this issue in state court or in

federal court.

I should correct myself. Since you were convicted, Mr. Case, by trial, actually the 90 days runs --

you're required to -- you have appellate rights first. And once the appeal has been -- if the appeal is, in fact,

denied, and the appellate court issues what's called a mandate, the 90 days runs from what's called themandate of the appellate court. I stand corrected.

Since you went to trial, it's different than if you had pled guilty. It's 90 days from the mandate of the

appellate court.

You can raise basically one of four general grounds. You can suggest that the sentence that I gave

you or allege is beyond the excess of that allowed by law.

Page 1288


20/22

You can further suggest that the sentence I gave you, that I did not have the jurisdiction to enter

such a sentence.

And lastly, you can claim that your sentence was contrary to the law of the State of Missouri or ofthe United States. That can include constitutional claims touching, among other things, including

allegations of ineffective assistance of counsel.

I'm sure Mr. Lance can advise you further of these rights. Do you have any questions you wish to

ask me about your post-conviction rights?

THE DEFENDANT:

No, Your Honor.

THE COURT:

I'm going to show that you've been duly advised. Do you need to deal with an issue of a lien, Mr.

Lance?

MR. LANCE:

Yes, Your Honor.

THE COURT:

Do you want to present that?

MR. LANCE:

In every case I'm required to file for attorney fees.

THE COURT:

All right. Due to the posture of this case, I'm going to exercise my discretion and deny the lien.

MR. LANCE:

Yes, sir.

Page 1289

THE COURT:

Okay. Anything further?

MR. FRY:

Not from the State, Your Honor.

THE COURT:

Mr. Lance?

MR. LANCE:


21/22

Will there be an appeal bond in this matter?

THE COURT:

By statute, once he's been sentenced to murder in the first degree, I am without discretion to allowan appeal bond is the way I read the statute. I denied it on my own discretion pending appeal, but I believe

the statute is quite clear, that I can pull the statute if you want me to, Mr. Lance.

MR. LANCE:

No. I just want it in the record if it's being set or denied.

THE COURT:

I will tell you this, that I would likely not set a bond if I had the discretion to do so, but I believe

under the provisions of Chapter 544, it is clear that I do not have the discretion to set a bond in certain

cases, and murder in the first degree is one of those cases. So there shall be no appeal bond.

Page 1290

MR. LANCE:

Judge, do you need the signed acknowledgment form?

THE COURT:

No, you can keep that. I have an acknowledgment form that shows he was advised in open Court.

MR. LANCE:

Final motion is file an appeal as a poor person.

THE COURT:

All right. That will be sustained.

MR. LANCE:

I can pick that up later.

THE COURT:

I'll enter it right now, and we'll send it to you. How is that?

MR. LANCE:

That's fine.

THE COURT:

Anything else?

MR. FRY:

Nothing from the State, Your Honor.


22/22

THE COURT:

It was a well-tried case, gentlemen. We'll be in recess.

(The case was concluded.)

byron case transcripts 31 sentencing

Documents