MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) - Defense attorneys are set to argue motions in the case of Jessie Dotson, a Memphis man accused of killing six people, including his brother and two children.
Dotson, 35, is charged with six counts of first-degree murder and three counts of attempted murder. Three children survived the March 2008 slayings in a house on Lester Street in Memphis.
Judge James Beasley already has allowed color crime scene photographs to be used at trial in September. The case has stirred emotions here, enough to move jury selection to Nashville.
Dotson's case also has earned national attention, partly because of Dotson's appearance on the crime-reality show "First 48." The program recorded the police investigation and aired a confession from Dotson.
UPDATE: 12:18 p.m.:
Jessie Dotson’s lawyers asked that video evidence, including Dotson’s alleged confession that aired on the show “The First 48”, not be allowed to be used at the trial. Defense attorneys told the judge they believe the “raw video” no longer exists and therefore all requests for “snippets” of video should be refused. The judge responded by saying, “I have a real problem with any videotape.” He granted the defense’s motion to quash the videotape statements given by Jessie Dotson that aired on the show “The First 48.” He went on to say that subpoenas could be served to any of the show’s crew members, if they are needed to testify.
Defense council also asked the judge to have the victims’ cell phones turned on to retrieve any text messages. The state did not object and the judge granted the motion.
Dotson’s next court date is July 28, 2010.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
