Texas Death Row Inmate May Get New Trial
View Mobile Site
FROM THE DOPPLER 10 FORECAST CENTER: THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED A WIND ADVISORY EFFECTIVE UNTIL 6 PM SUNDAY FOR MILLS, HAMILTON, BOSQUE, HILL, NAVARRO, FREESTONE, LAMPASAS, CORYELL, BELL, MCLENNAN, FALLS, LIMESTONE, LEON, MILAM AND ROBERTSON COUNTIES….WIND BUSTS BETWEEN 35 MPH AND 40 MPH ARE EXPECTED THROUGHOUT THE DAY…THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SAYS THERE IS HIGH FIRE DANGER SUNDAY AFTERNOON WEST OF AN EASTLAND TO HAMILTON TO CAMERON LINE...NORTHWEST WINDS OF 25 TO 35 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 45 MPH THIS AFTERNOON WILL COMBINE WITH AFTERNOON HUMIDITY VALUES OF LESS THAN 30 PERCENT TO CREATE A HIGH FIRE DANGER…
Save Email Print
Texas Death Row Inmate May Get New Trial
Prosecutors and defense attorneys are seeking a new trial for a Texas death row inmate because evidence was withheld in the man’s trial in 1999.
Font Size:

(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.



Latest Comments

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!
Video
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.
Army Way
Learn all about the symbols, traditions, and customs of the US Army.
Job of the Week
Click now to see hundreds of other jobs on Job Board TV!


FSR/Call Center - Genco Federal Credit Union is currently seeking a full time Financial Service Representative for their call center. We offer great benefits and a friendly work environment. If you enjoy working with customers and possess a strong work ethic, we're looking for you!

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