Jill_Monier's Blog

Moments ago defense attorney Blake Ballin made a motion for a mistrial because of a police memorial ceremony happening outside the Tipton county justice center right now.

The jury is still inside the justice center, deliberating on a sentence for Gauna who was convicted of 1st degree murder yesterday.

This is National Police Week and today is National Peace Officers' Memorial Day.

Trooper Calvin Jenks' name was added to the Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, DC this year. His 12 year old brother is in Washington in honor of him. The rest of the Jenks family say they decided to stay here to fight for justice.

This week is a particularly sensitive time at the Tipton County Sheriff's Office. Not only was trooper Jenks' death painful for them, but Sheriff Poncho Chumley's brother who was also a law enforcement officer, was shot and killed August 14, 1997.

The suspect turned the gun on himself.

A memorial wreath was placed outside the justice center Monday and the flag has been flying at half staff.

This afternoon, In Washington, a memorial wreath will be placed at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.

No word on when the judge might rule on the motion by Ballin.