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scope it out for October 27, 2009

Posted on Oct 26, 2009 in News

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Unsatisfactory conditions in dormitory addressed
Kaleidoscope Staff Report
Maintenance and management issues at Blazer Hall have been corrected. An anonymous RA recently told the Kaleidoscope that conditions at one of the dorms were unsatisfactory. It has since been reported that these problems have been addressed my the management and staff.

Parents settle suits against Birmingham hospital
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Five sets of parents who sued a Birmingham hospital over the handling of miscarried fetuses have settled pending lawsuits.

The Birmingham News reports that the trial in the first of the five cases against St. Vincent’s Birmingham had been set to start next week.

The newspaper reports that the terms of the settlements are confidential. Though final details need to be determined, lawyers told Jefferson County Circuit Court Judge Robert Vance on Friday that deals have been reached.

David Marsh, a lawyer for the parents said once the details are worked out, he will submit a motion to dismiss the five cases. That will mean they cannot be brought back later.

The case of Wendy and Kyle Wadley was set for trial Monday. The Wadleys sued St. Vincent’s and Cunningham Pathology five years ago for performing what they said was an unauthorized autopsy on their baby after a 2000 miscarriage at the hospital after 18 weeks of pregnancy.

The couple also said the remains were stored in something like a picnic cooler for about a year and a half, with 19 other fetuses, before cremation, according to court records.

Their suit claimed fraud and reckless wrongful handling of a dead body. They sought damages for mental anguish. To prove a pattern of fraud, the Wadleys’ lawyers asked for and won access to medical records of all of the other fetuses stored with theirs.
 

Jury to resume case Monday on judge
MOBILE, Ala. (AP) — The jury deliberating charges against former Mobile County Circuit Judge Herman Thomas did not reach a verdict Friday and will return Monday to consider charges accusing him of paddling and sexually abusing inmates.

Defense attorney Robert Clark said it was an indication the jury is hung. But prosecutor Nicki Patterson disagreed, saying the case is complicated with 11 alleged victims and many charges. The jury is considering charges of assault, sex abuse, sodomy and attempted sodomy.

In closing arguments, prosecutors described Thomas as a sexual predator who spanked male inmates’ bare bottoms for sexual gratification. Defense witnesses, including a Roman Catholic archbishop, portrayed him as a community leader who mentored youth.

Thomas, 48, served 17 years as a judge before resigning in 2007 when allegations surfaced about paddling inmates in his private courthouse office and other locations.

The jury listened to seven days of testimony, including that of 11 alleged victims, before beginning deliberations.
 

Police identify officers involved in fatal shooting
MOBILE, Ala. (AP) — Mobile police have released the names of two officers who fatally shot a rape suspect at his home.

The Press-Register reported that police on Friday identified Cpl. Mike Shavers and Officer Emanuel Dotch.

Police say the two arrived at Cornelius Johnson’s door to question him Tuesday night about the rape of a teenage relative. Police say Johnson refused to talk and opened fire on the officers.

The officers each fired a single shot at Johnson, hitting him in the upper body. The 39-year-old was found dead hours later when a tactical team broke into his home.

Both officers are on paid administrative leave until an internal investigation is complete.

Police are also working to be sure Johnson was the one responsible for raping the teen numerous times over a five-year period.
 




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