Kennedy cousin appeals murder conviction

[Hoss68]

John Christoffersen, Associated Press
January 14, 2005

HARTFORD, Conn. -- Lawyers for Michael Skakel argue that the Kennedy cousin convicted of bludgeoning a 15-year-old neighbor when he was a teen should be set free because authorities waited too long to prosecute him.

Skakel's lawyers argue that state law at the time Martha Moxley was killed in 1975 set a five-year limit for prosecution of all cases except those that could carry the death penalty. Skakel was not charged with a capital offense in 2000.

Members of Skakel's family were already at the courthouse well before arguments were to begin.

``We're obviously hopeful,'' said his brother Thomas, who was a suspect through much of the investigation and was the last person seen with Martha.

``Does anyone think for any minute Martha would be happy knowing that someone is behind bars that didn't do it?''

Prosecutors contend Connecticut has never set a deadline to try murder cases. They say that the nature of the crime, not the potential punishment, determines whether it is subject to the time limit.

Arguments on Skakel's appeal were scheduled this morning before the state Supreme Court. The high court was not expected to rule today.

Skakel, convicted in 2002, was not expected to attend the hearing. He is serving a prison sentenced of 20 years to life.

Authorities say Skakel, a 44-year-old nephew of Ethel Kennedy, beat Moxley to death with a golf club when they were neighbors in Greenwich. He also was 15 at the time. They also accused Skakel's wealthy family of a cover-up to thwart his prosecution.

Skakel's lawyer, Hope Seeley, also planned to argue that his cases should not have been transferred from Juvenile Court to Superior Court. Prosecutors said that was justified, given that Skakel was 40 years old when he was arrested.

** Where's a rolling eyes Post Icon when you want one???

[Betty Boop]

What's sad is that only the brother (Thomas Skakel) suggests that Michael Skakel didn't do it - and he was the last one seen with the murder victim. Everyone else just wants to find a technicality for a "Get Out Of Jail Free" card. That in and of itself speaks volumes for the character of the convicted and his family.

Hoss, was this the icon you were looking for? :icon_roll

[Woodmonkey]

It's taken decades for this family to get justice. They are fighting the Kennedys and still might lose. (here's another one for ya, Hossbrat!)

[Hoss68]

The ladies of trackpads unite once again!

You both hit it on the head! Kudos!

The lawyers arguments are ludicrous! Let's bring a 44 yo man in to Juvenile court...

I have been seeing and reading about this for at least 15 years... Unreal. Her poor family! 30 years after the fact and they are still being run through the mill!

[Zod]

Anyone besides me who wishes that Kennedy family would just disappear? I am so sick of hearing about that moronic family