Feb
Jury To Decide Fate Of Man Convicted In Torture Case
Jury To Decide Fate Of Man Convicted In Torture Case
WEATHERFORD (CBSDFW.COM) – Jurors will decide the fate of Jeffrey Maxwell today, the man convicted of kidnapping, torturing and sexually assaulting a 62-year-old woman.
A guilty verdict on one aggravated kidnapping charge and two counts of aggravated sexual assault was issued just 50 minutes after closing arguments.
Several witnesses were called to the stand in the punishment phase of the trial which began Wednesday morning, including the victim herself, who complained she still feels residual pain in her arm and hands from the abuse she endured over the 12 days she was held captive by Maxwell.
Also called to the stand were witnesses who testified Maxwell molested and raped them in the 1980′s.
A former Watauga police officer testified that when he went to Maxwell’s home, to execute a search warrant in 1987, officers found several bondage books.
Jurors were later shown pictures taken at Maxwell’s Corsicana home, of metal filing cabinets filled with dozens of pornographic books and magazines with a common theme: rape and bondage.
More clips from a taped interview with Maxwell was also shown to jurors. When questioned about pairs of women’s panties he had in his possession, Maxwell revealed he had stolen them from several women, including neighbors, who Maxwell said had “left their doors unlocked.” He admitted he did this undetected some 30 or 40 times.
The defense called no witnesses and Maxwell declined to testify. Defense attorney Richard Alley said no one could be located to testify favorably on Maxwell’s behalf.
Maxwell could get a sentence ranging from probation up to life in prison for each count. The option of probation is allowed because Maxwell has never been convicted of a felony in the state of Texas or the United States.
Closing arguments in the sentencing phase begin at 2 p.m. in Parker County District Court.
Also Check Out:
