Delayed Justice

Melissa, who compiles our “We Remember” section, keeps up with what’s happening in the various cases.  She had been in touch with Grand RapidsPress reporter Barton Deiters about the Janeane Lusk case.

Her body was found March 27, 2008, in the Godwin Heights area of Wyoming, Kent County, MI , in a parking lot of an industrial area. Janeane died on what would have been her 41st birthday. 

At the time authorities didn’t disclose the cause of death, saying only there were “obvious signs of trauma.”

In September 2008 police charged Sid Terrell Jones with the murder of Janeane Lusk. At the time the warrant for his arrest was issued, Jones was in Kent County Jail facing charges of felonious assault for allegedly threatening a prostitute with a knife. In his preliminary hearing the cause of death was revealed as stabbing.

Here’s Dieter’s story of the event: Testimony offers grim details in Wyoming Parking lot.  It’s good reporting.

Jones was bound over for trial and the case faded from view.  Melissa and I wanted to know when his trial was set.  So, back to Barton in February.  At that time he said the trial was scheduled for April 13…that would have been next Monday.  I called to confirm.  Nope.  It’s been adjourned once more, pushed back.  The new date is June 22, 2009.

There are a million reasons to push a case back, and while it may be frustrating for the family and friends of the victim you never want as a grounds for appeal that the case was so rushed that the defense attorney, John Beason, didn’t have time to adequately prepare.  I don’t know that such is the reason in this case.  It also could be the court docket is jammed up.  Speculation is not helpful.

Here are the details:

Trial Information

Case Number: 08-11265-FC

17th Circuit Court

Courtroom 11D

180 Ottawa Avenue NW

Grand Rapids, MI

(616) 632 – 5220

June 22, 2009: 8:30 a.m.

Judge Donald A. Johnston