LAWTON, Okla_There was a
twist in the murder trial of a Lawton
man, accused in the death of his accomplice, Michael Wemy, during a home
invasion that happened three years ago.
Jeffrey Karr
pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of conspiracy to commit robbery and was
sentenced to ten years in prison. He will also get credit for the time he has
already served while the case plodded through the system. This was Karr's third
trial. The first ended in a hung jury in 2010. The second trial ended last year
when Karr's attorney had to be removed from the case. Tuesday's plea brought a
strong emotional reaction outside the courtroom.
Karr's family
was very happy when they got the news, they were in the hallway cheering and
crying. The District Attorneys office said
they were admittedly disappointed. Karr's plea deal was not based on what their
office recommended. They hoped for a tougher sentence but that blind plea
allowed the judge to make the decision on his sentence.
"It has
been the hardest three years of our life. Eight years ago we lost our mom and
then Michael. I am just glad that this was over with," Maria Wermy-Jacobo,
Michael's sister, said.
Assistant District
Attorney Irma Newburn said the state knew this case was an uphill battle
because some citizens disagree with the felony-murder rule. Karr was charged
with first-degree murder because he acted with Wermy in the robbery.
"When a robber
dies people are less sympathetic than if you had had one of the victims of the
home invasion, or for the lack of a better term, a truer victim."
She said it can
be a tough sell because the evidence has to show that Karr acted in the robbery
not the actual murder.
"That law
in and of itself is still the law here in Oklahoma and there's a good reason for it. In
this case, robbery with a dangerous weapon, a sawed-off shotgun and 9mm handgun
is a very dangerous crime."
Karr's attorney
Jim Berry said his client is not getting off easy.
"Its up to
the Department of Corrections when he gets out. Its not considered a violent
crime because it is a conspiracy. He's been in the county jail for over three
years, so, he has served a considerable amount of time."
Wermy's sister Allison
Murray said they can now mourn for Michael and that she believes Karr is
innocent.
"I am not
saying he should have died, he's our brother and I love him to death. God bless
his heart. I am sorry for their family, their loss, I am sorry for our loss. I
know Jeffrey wasn't involved. I know it, he wouldn't have left our brother
there."
The family of
the victims of the home invasion was also there and they were very angry. They
feel that Karr should have been found guilty of murder and received a tougher
sentence.
