Texas Death Row Inmate May Get New Trial
FROM THE DOPPLER 10 FORECAST CENTER… A HEAT ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT FOR THE FOLLOWING COUNTIES UNTIL 7 PM FRIDAY… McLENNAN, WILLIAMSON, AND SAN SABA…AFTERNOON HEAT INDEX VALUES TODAY AND FRIDAY WILL RISE TO BETWEEN 105 AND 110 DEGREES...WHILE OVERNIGHT LOWS TONIGHT WILL STRUGGLE TO FALL BELOW 80 DEGREES…PERSONS INVOLVED IN VIGOROUS OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES ARE URGED TO TAKE FREQUENT BREAKS AND DRINK PLENTY OF WATER…
Texas Death Row Inmate May Get New Trial Save Email Print
4 comments
A | A | A

(October 3, 2008)--Prosecutors and defense attorneys filed documents Thursday seeking for a new trial for death row inmate Michael Toney, claiming the state's lead prosecutor improperly withheld evidence in Toney’s 1999 trial.

Toney was sentenced to death in the killings of three people in the bombing of a mobile home near Lake Worth in 1985.

Both the state and defense agree Toney's trial attorneys weren't given at least 14 pieces of evidence that could have discredited state witnesses or pointed to other suspects.

The state denies it knowingly sponsored misleading testimony and denies Toney is innocent.

It said it agreed with the defense that he was entitled to a new trial.

If the judge supports the attorneys' findings, he will send his recommendation to the Court of Criminal Appeals, which could order a new trial.

Defense attorneys don't expect Toney to be tried again but prosecutors say it is too soon to say.

Angela Blount, 15, her father, Joe Blount, 44, and her cousin, Michael Columbus, 18, were killed on Thanksgiving Day, 1985, when a briefcase with a bomb in it blew up on the porch of their mobile home.

Toney was indicted in December 1997 after allegedly telling another inmate in the Parker County Jail that he was paid $5,000 to put the bomb at the mobile home but put it at the wrong trailer.
More Stories
Drug Testing Ordered For Mother Of Murdered Mexia Boy

5-Year-Old Shooting Victim Identified

Manhunt Underway After Violent Central Texas Assault

Swine Flu Claims Life Of Temple Woman

 Texas Man Charged With Capital Murder In Infant Daughter’s Disappearance

One-Car Accident Claims Life Of 35-Year-Old Central Texas Man

Teenage Texas Counselor Hacks Opossum To Death

Five Die Thursday When Train Hits Car
Post Your Comments
First Name:
Location:
Enter Comments: characters left
Email (optional):
By posting this comment I have read and agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy:
You must agree to the Terms of Service to continue.
Read Comments
Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.
Posted by: Christiane DURAND Location: France on Oct 12, 2008 at 01:37 PM
No need to be a lawyer to notice there is no evidence against Toney in the trial transcript.I will only ask: what was the use of the Court of criminals appeals in that case? What are they paid for? to pat on Parrish's shoulder? And Parrish is "retired". Really?And no "law of the parties", there, of course.Levy said it does not matter who is responsible! An attempt murder in the court itself, in front of judge Young, "it does not matter" for the chief of the criminal division of the Tarrant District attorney's office! Then, glory, glory, alleluia for Levy, for Parrish and all his accomplices!
Posted by: r on Oct 4, 2008 at 07:28 AM
Mybe you should read the facts to a case before you make stupid remarks- what if this was your childs father grandfather brother etc... Michael IS innocent. the only thing he is guilty of is compassion for an old jailhouse snitch that needed medicine to survive. Read the case.
Posted by: catherine Location: waco on Oct 3, 2008 at 02:28 PM
I dont think he should get another trial. If he infact did put the bomb on the wrong porch that makes the situation even worse...but the fact is that 3 innocent people lost their life because of someone's stupidity. He should get the dealth penalty!
Posted by: William Location: Salado on Oct 3, 2008 at 01:02 PM
Sounds like the hit man gave his own testimony to the crime, forget the retrial and just kill this idiot.
Most Texas Prison Inmates Face The Summer Without AC
111 Comments
Waco FBI Agent Sentenced In Dog Shooting
62 Comments
Sentencing For FBI Agent Convicted In Animal Cruelty Case Recheduled For Wednesday
40 Comments
Ex-Principal Avoids Prison Time In Graphic Text Message Case
36 Comments
Pregnant Woman, Unborn Child Die In Highway Collision
36 Comments
Teen Killed, Three Others Injured When Car Slams Into Trees
36 Comments
KWTX.com Features
Double Dollar Deals
Half Price Deals at Central Texas restaurants and businesses. A new deal every Thursday at 7:00am.
Boss of the Month
Who is Central Texas’ best boss? Nominate your supervisor for Boss of the Month!
Golden Apple
Your chance to nominate an outstanding teacher. Find out how they are making a difference in classrooms.
Emily Wants to Know
Emily Matthews' inquisitive look at life in Central Texas.
10 On Your Side
Answers from our experts on topics that affect YOU.
Job of the Week
Click now to see hundreds of other jobs on Job Board TV!


Full-Time Physical Therapist - Join Metroplex Health System in Killeen as a Full-Time Physical Therapist in our Pediatric Rehabilitation Department. Metroplex offers a very competitive hourly wage and benefits plan. Join Metroplex in “Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ”.

Also, take a look at the most recent jobs posted to Job Board TV at KWTX.com: View More Jobs.