Kennedy nephew to be arraigned in adult court
February 21, 2001
Web posted at: 7:06 AM EST (1206 GMT)
STAMFORD, Conn. (AP) -- Kennedy nephew Michael Skakel was scheduled to be arraigned on murder charges for the 1975 beating death of his neighbor, despite his unresolved appeal of a decision to try him as an adult.
Judge Maureen Dennis ruled last month that Skakel, now 40, should be tried as an adult for allegedly murdering Martha Moxley when they were both 15. Skakel faces up to life in prison.
He could have requested a stay of the arraignment, scheduled for Wednesday, based on his pending appeal of Dennis' ruling.
But Skakel didn't want to do that.
"He wants this resolved," said his lawyer, Michael Sherman. "We're not interested in needless delays."
Skakel is not expected to enter a plea at the arraignment. Sherman said his client will request a probable cause hearing, to determine if there is enough evidence to proceed to trial.
Skakel has already been through an arraignment and a probable cause hearing in juvenile court, where Dennis found there was enough evidence to proceed.
Moxley's body was found on her family's estate on Oct. 31, 1975. Authorities concluded she was brutally beaten with a golf club that matched a set owned by the Skakel family.
Skakel is the nephew of Robert F. Kennedy and his widow, Ethel.
Following Skakel's arraignment, Judge John F. Kavanewsky Jr. is expected to consider the prosecution's request to move the trial from Stamford to nearby Bridgeport.
Dennis ruled last month that the case should be tried in Stamford, the seat of the judicial district that includes Greenwich.
Prosecutor Jonathan Benedict argued that the case should be moved because in 1975 all major crimes in the area were handled in Bridgeport Superior Court.
Some attorneys not involved in the case have said Skakel may be better off facing trial in Stamford, where jury members from wealthy communities in the area may identify with his wealth and privilege. Bridgeport has a largely blue-collar population.
**It's about time. I've read a book on this murder and the evidence was VERY compelling.
February 21, 2001
Web posted at: 7:06 AM EST (1206 GMT)
STAMFORD, Conn. (AP) -- Kennedy nephew Michael Skakel was scheduled to be arraigned on murder charges for the 1975 beating death of his neighbor, despite his unresolved appeal of a decision to try him as an adult.
Judge Maureen Dennis ruled last month that Skakel, now 40, should be tried as an adult for allegedly murdering Martha Moxley when they were both 15. Skakel faces up to life in prison.
He could have requested a stay of the arraignment, scheduled for Wednesday, based on his pending appeal of Dennis' ruling.
But Skakel didn't want to do that.
"He wants this resolved," said his lawyer, Michael Sherman. "We're not interested in needless delays."
Skakel is not expected to enter a plea at the arraignment. Sherman said his client will request a probable cause hearing, to determine if there is enough evidence to proceed to trial.
Skakel has already been through an arraignment and a probable cause hearing in juvenile court, where Dennis found there was enough evidence to proceed.
Moxley's body was found on her family's estate on Oct. 31, 1975. Authorities concluded she was brutally beaten with a golf club that matched a set owned by the Skakel family.
Skakel is the nephew of Robert F. Kennedy and his widow, Ethel.
Following Skakel's arraignment, Judge John F. Kavanewsky Jr. is expected to consider the prosecution's request to move the trial from Stamford to nearby Bridgeport.
Dennis ruled last month that the case should be tried in Stamford, the seat of the judicial district that includes Greenwich.
Prosecutor Jonathan Benedict argued that the case should be moved because in 1975 all major crimes in the area were handled in Bridgeport Superior Court.
Some attorneys not involved in the case have said Skakel may be better off facing trial in Stamford, where jury members from wealthy communities in the area may identify with his wealth and privilege. Bridgeport has a largely blue-collar population.
**It's about time. I've read a book on this murder and the evidence was VERY compelling.
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