Today was supposed to be another day of hearings regarding the prosecution of Thomas Leggs for the murder of 11 year old Sarah Foxwell. So was Thursday … and Friday … and Monday …. and Tuesday. Yet, today’s hearings were cancelled. So were Thursday’s … and Friday’s … and Monday’s.
Next, we were informed by the office of Wicomico County State’s Attorney Matt Maciarello that there was a news blackout. We were requested to publish no posts regarding the case AND asked not to allow any comments regarding the matter either. The Daily Times even posted an article regarding today’s hearing cancellation and then immediately pulled it down.Why?
Has an offer been made to Leggs and his defense that would take the death penalty off of the table? If Leggs accepts such an offer will Tuesday’s scheduled hearing be an allocution?
We sincerely hope not. This crime is probably the most infamous in Wicomico County’s history. “If there was ever a crime that screams for the death penalty, this is it.”
98 comments:
Damn, thought it was gonna be that Ireton is going to resign.
They sould just set him free and dismiss all charges. Let him walk out of the prison a free man. Be sure to post his release date, It will only be a matter of minutes and the problem wiould be solved... No more leggs...... Just sayin'
If Matt lets this happen, he needs to resign! How can this happen? I thought it was a slam dunk case.
Sounds to me that it is not that way. What a shame.
"This crime is probably the most infamous in Wicomico County’s history"
What about Sam Graham or the lynching on the Courthouse lawn?
So, why not save the County taxpayers money -- he would never be executed if convicted.
When was the last time MD actually put someone to death? Give him life and the inmates will kill him in 6 months.
16 had on 7 PM news about cancellation - so you are late breaking it.
Why are you telling this if you were informed not to?
And of course, you didn't adhere to the SA's request.
Why would they offer a plea, was something done wrong? I was leddici to believe they really had a tight case.
Then SA needs to be fired or take Leggs punishment. How would he feel if it was his kid. Lawyers ALL lawyers suck.
OMG! I am going to be sick.
He needs to fry. He needs to go through the same hideous actions as he invoked on little
Sarah.
WHY? Probably because unlike you, the DT was following Matt's instructions.
unbelievable. the thought of this makes me sick to my stomach
The way the judicial system works it would not surprise me one bit. The system is an epic FAIL and in need of major revamping. A child molester/rapist/murder should not be eligible for any type of plea deal. However those people walk away with supervised probation and ordered to counseling. There is no greater crime than abuse of a child, especially sexual abuse and murder.
And we just had to keep Davis Ruark on board in order to get the death penalty. What a joke, Ruark should have been kicked to the curb on day one.
Matt,
Are you getting bad advice from someone who wants your job?
Maybe their evidence wasn't solid enough to ensure a conviction... Beyond a reasonable doubt is difficult. We all "KNOW" he did it, but does the evidence they have without a doubt say that he was the one that did it?
**THERE BETTER NOT BE A PLEA TO TAKE THE DEATH PENALTY OFF THE TABLE!!!!!!!!!...OR I WILL LOOSE ALL RESPECT FOR MATT OR ANYONE ELSE IN THIS CASE!!!! THERE IS MORE THAN ENOUGH EVIDENCE TO GET A CONVICTION!!!...SARAH DIDNT GET A PLEA DEAL!!!!!!..WHY SHOULD THIS PIECE OF SH!!!!T!!!....JOE I PRAY THIS IS NOT THE CASE. THIS SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED!!!
I think death would be too easy for this monster .Let him go to prison the rest of his life an be somebodys girlfreind .
The death penalty would never be carried out. Leggs would appeal it till the end of time and cost the tax payers more money than he is worth. He would likely die of old age on death row then be executed.
I am not really understanding how folks cannot comprehend this.
IF and that is a big IF, Maciarello took a plea, then the reasons will come out and don't be surprised if this case was not a solid as they said. Like a previous posted stated, "beyond a reasonable doubt" is very hard.
Life without parole is just as bad.. he will be tortured in jail as a child killer.
I have said from the very beginning that I was concerned that something was not done right by LEO's and a technicality would come into play. I hope I'm wrong! I also hope there's no plea. All of LE was absolutely confident and the death penalty was IT. If it is not IT, this is a total failure. They should all resign.
A free press is a free press. The government (which Matt is a part of) cannot dictate what stories run and which ones do not, for any reason. Joe is completely in the right here, and the Times is shirking its responsibility to the public.
If you are going to defend the second amendment as vocally and passionately as most of you do, you have to do the same with all. If the government is wrong limiting guns, the are equally wrong in limiting information.
As for the case, it is out of our hands. If Mr. Leggs gets convicted, it should be considered a victory for the community and justice will have been served. Whether he spends the rest of his life behind bars (regradless of the argument of tax payer money) or he is executed is beside the point.
yeah 7:08 tortured with wide screen tv, microwaves, gym, free college education, weights, free food, water, heat. Also they sue for everything and have scumbag lawyers that will take their case and actually sue people for taking care of them.I am more inclined to think hanging sounds good!!!
I have to agree with Dan. One reason we have so many problems on the shore is because the politicians control the press. Tilghman was a master at it. Three appeals recently showed up from the defense attorneys and all of a sudden there's a plea deal on the table. My guess is that someone screwed up and Matt doesn't want anyone to know about it.
I can't believe everyone is jumping to the conclusion that a plea has been made just because there is a media blackout. Let's wait to see what happens.
If this turns out to be true it might not be a bad thing as long as he gets life w/out parole which I'm sure would be the case. He would then be tosses in with the general prison population and then he would have to constantly be watching his back.
What I find disturbing is the fact that the press was asked to not publish information regarding this.
My guess is Ruark talked the big talk for the election when the truth is, someone screwed up.
Matt inherited the case. The prosecutor's job is to win. If he can't win The Big One, but can win The Mostly Big One, then that's what he'll have to go for.
Sickening as it is that he would have to.
Why would you try to hurt this case Joe? Just keep your mouth shut. You aren't the media. You have a bully blog on the Eastern Shore. That's it. Such a tool.
Don't count on the inmates doling out justice when the judicial system can't or won't. Leggs has been in Jessup and ECI for child molesting and came out of both unscathed. Would you run the risk of a life sentence for murdering a child molester/murderer?
As far as this being posted here at 9:00pm WHY is Joe held to a higher standard than WBOC who broadcasted it to everyone in signal reach at 7:00pm? Why is it ok for them to report it and not anyone else? This whole thing stinks. Ruark is out and will make another small fortune with his book, but that's ok, according to some. Joe and the aunt mention writing a book and that same "some" gets all up in arms about it. What a backward society we live in.
If they made a deal it's because someone, at sometime, during the investigation, collection of evidence screwed up. While Ruark and Lewis led us to believe this was an open and shut death penalty case. Once again, we have been duped by our elected officials. Matt won the election because Ruark was a screw up, Mitchell wasn't worth the vote and Matt promised to keep Ruark on specifically for this case BECAUSE he has been involved since day one. That action won him the election. Don't think for one minute a plea deal won't remove him from office during the next election. Time will tell the whole story, just as the court records will. We'll know who screwed the pooch on this one in due time, if that is the case.
Did you ever think maybe they have a media blackout so they don't bias the jury pool anymore? They have to pull a jury that has little or no knowledge of the case. Why can't you just abide by the State's Attorney's request?
I agree with all you say it (death penalty) would never be carried out. I am pro-death penalty but MD is not the state to do it. Texas and Virginia-Yes. Furthermore, you all are missing the big picture-you want him to fry? He'll not fry-he'll go peacefully with a needle in the arm. Is that what you want? I don't think so. Strategically, they should never have gone for the death penalty-it's only grandstanding for Davis Ruark- to go out of office saying "i got the death penalty for leggs". Life without parole, puts him in the general population and scumbags like him are dead within a year-usually a much more violent death than a needle in the arm. So wake up all you naysayers out there and embrace this possible new deal. Justice will be served much swifter this way. Fry him--- give me a break- what rock are you living under.
anonymous 9:39, is that all you've got?
We never stated a plea deal has been made. We have simply asked a few questions. We have every right to ask the questions.
I wish him general population in prison where they will do to him what he did to Sarah. God forgive me for saying that but the death sentence seems to easy. He deserves Hell on earth and then to burn in Hell after being in prison for life.
He will hang himself in his cell and it will all be over.
Joe - When you post your question as the heading of the post, you imply that it is the truth. The truth is, it's going to be hard to get a good jury because of all of the information AND misinformation that you have put out there. Your irresponsible "journalism" has put this case in a vulnerable state. The case is for a judge and jury to decide, not you, and not us. Sure, you have a right to ask questions, but we do not have a right to know everything.
and the public has a right to speculate on why the hearings were canceled.
I don't like the fact that the SA asked the press to "help" out (according to Taylor) and remain silent on this subject.
A politician has no right to ask any media outlet to "help" them out. That's why blogs have become so popular.
Joe:
Your latest comment reminds me of my mom's adage:
Here lies the body of John B. Jay,
who died asserting his right-of-way.
But, keep up the good work.
"they have to pull a jury that has little or no knowledge of the case"
No 9:39 they have to pull a jury that hasn't a opinion of Leggs guilt or innocence.
This case made national news when Sarah went missing. Where will you find anyone that knows nothing about it? If the black out is for the purpose of jury selection WHY did WBOC broadcast it at 7:00pm last evening?
Same old, same old, plea, plea, plea! Did anyone really think Davis Ruark was going to get the death penalty in this case? This case was his reelection center piece and nothing else. Now that he lost, a plea is probably likely.
First of all I would like to know when the State's Attorneys office assumed control of the supposedly free press.
Lastly, it amazes me how everyone keeps hoping for an elected official that would solve all of our problems.
It was Obama first and we see what he's done for us. Then Salisbury's mayor was supposed to straighten out our community and where has that gotten us? Then there is an unknown who became State Attorney who has consistently shown his lack of experience.
When will we realize we can't depend on a politician.
The day the music stops.
I want to thank Joe for proving he is man enough to stand up for what is right and not fold under pressure. My guess is that Joe knows a whole lot more about this case then anyone else. I was one of the volunteers searching for Sarah on Christmas day and I'm pretty ticked off Matt and Davis are trying to keep this quiet. This really makes me wonder what I can trust from the rest of the media.
A loyal reader
Another infamouse Eastern Shore case ended w/a plea deal. Richard Spicknall was sentenced to life for murdering his 2 children and was found dead in the prison shower.
lets just say, evidence is screwed up, would u rather take the plea deal and keep him in prison for life, or take bad evidence in a case going for Death Pen, and he gets off???????????
in MD he wont be killed on Deathrow anyway. so take the life without parole. Lawyers and politicians (more lawyers) have broke our system.
Joe:
What's that -- "an allocution" -- as in: "If Leggs accepts such an offer will Tuesday’s scheduled hearing be an allocution?"
Matt, as someone who voted for you I will never do so again. I wondered if your religous beliefs would play a role in this case. I have to believe with everything I was told about the dna evidence this was a solid case. Never trust a politician.
I for one am glad Joe bows down to know one. Joe is an inspiration to many. I hope he continues being hard hitting Real press. This is proof Joe is not one sided. That he tells the truth no matter what. Keep up the great reporting. I look at all news but find this site to be the most trustworthy!
Amen 1135. I wish Joe would move to Salisbury, Md and run for Mayor.
I love Matt. But know his views on the death penalty would ultimately sway his decision. He is still a great guy.
I was thinking... lets say there is a plea deal in the works and Leggs takes it. I'd have to guess Tuesday would be the day there would be a major announcement without the public knowing anything was in the works. So lets say Leggs doesn't take the deal and the information was never made public. We would have never known Matt had the deal out there. Matt should be held accountable either way. I better stop thinking about this because I'm afraid I might come up with even more.
Spicknall explanation of plea-
http://wc-review.washcoll.edu/2001/marymcauliffe.php
Sheriff Lewis must be furious.
So Maciarello is CYA. I know how much you supported him in the election Joe. This must have been very difficult for you to publish. I'm proud of you.
Search volunteer 12-25-09
Death penalty is too easy. Let him go to jail. He will be taken care of on the inside just as Jeff Dawmer had a broom shoved through his eye.
Everyone here is assuming Maciarello has offered Leggs a plea. The post doesn't say he has, it just raises the question. People should wait until they know the full story before rushing to judgment, don't you think?
I believe with a news blackout a plea offer has been made. The fact that they cancelled 5 days worth of hearings so close to the trial date means to me that this was being covered up so the public wouldn't know what was coming.
Matt has the "King of PLEAS" on the case. That's all Ruark knows. If it's not a slam dunk.....deal a plea. Been there, seen it too many times. Biggest reason I voted against him. This would not bode well for any of the folks in the S.A. Office.
Typical of most gossip, people are jumping to their own conclusions without one shred of fact, other than some hearings were cancelled.
Joe has every right to publish whatever he wants. The only problem is with the relationship between him and the SA office. If they ask him not to publish, they are asking as a favor and the relationship is strong. If Joe decides to publish anyway, he's free to do so, but the relationship takes a hit.
Unless there was some underhanded behavior that needed the light of day, I might wait and see what is fact and keep the relationship strong.
Good Grief. You people do not even know what is going on and you are ready to tar and feather Mr. Macarello. How about waiting until you get the actual facts before speculating and casting judgement. Joe, this post has not helped the situation in any way other than to fire up a lynch mob of people who want justice for a murdered child. Hysteria will prevent true justice from being served and may in fact hurt the present case. So, everyone, just have a cup of tea and wait until the real facts of the case are released.
Joe,
I am sending from my cell. I have been told that they must drop many of charges against him because they violated Leggs' civil rights, during arrest phase.
This is major. They only have remaining charges of hindering and failure to follow lawful order of police. Leggs is in jail for other chargers so he will stay for ten years. This is what they were told at SAs office. I got this first hand.
This comment is for 9:21
The crimes you mention are not even close to this crime.
infamous synonyms "notorious,disgraceful,heinous,shocking,villainous,detestable,evil and on and on.
You know nothing about this case , it is obvious.
I got a plea for you: bullet or electric chair.
I voted for Matt specifically because he said that he would definitely retain Liz Ireland when he took over and was looking forward to working with her. One of the first things he did when he took office was to fire Liz. I have no doubt that he knew all along that he would be letting her go. I wish I had the money back that I donated to his campaign. But more than that, I wish I had my vote back.
Annapolis recently scheduled hearings regarding MD's death penalty..and allowable evidence
perhaps ginning up the masses is much ado about nothing.
248:
IF this is true and so many of you are worried about Maciarello, your in for a rude awaking. Golden Boy, M Lewis will no doubt take the blame.
You have a bully blog on the Eastern Shore
That may be true but so far it's the best one we got.
And it does fit some of these commenter's. The less educated one is, the more the bully they are. And we are not overrun with rocket scientists around here.
2:48
How did they violate his civil rights?
2:48 Absolute lie.
3:39 Liz needed to go bad, talk about a bully and someone who would plea because she was not prepared that is Liz. Glad she is gone.
2:48. Following civil rights has been violated for at least 4 years now on a routine basis so this does not surprise me. If you are right, EVERYONE involved in the arrest and gathering of evidence should be fired! You would think greater care would be taken with such a high profile case to avoid such a thing. Wouldn't it be a travesty of justice to have all of the DNA evidence, etc. and have to plea bargain for a monster like this guy??? Man, I hope this is not the case!
prisoners don't care about child molesters anymore cause there are now so many in there. He would ask for Protective Custody and others couldn't get to him anyway. Just get rid of the Piece of Crap!
I pray Justice will be done!! Civil Rights are violated everyday because people( including police,judges, attorneys) think they should provide their own justice.I think the sadest part of all this is the vile that comes from people. Hatred in itself will eat you all alive!!!!
Now on to a part where your hatred will shine thru.....
Sexually abusing a child is a horrible crime but I think Murdering a child is A WORSE Crime.
I know you think all Sex Offenders are Monsters but they are not!!!!
Just for your info in todays time ELVIS would be a Child Predator/Sex Offender.
Guess you all would think he should get killed in prison????
Also for the guy/gal who thinks prison is like staying at the RITZ you Obviously have NO CLUE what prisons are like!!!!!
And yes I do know what they are like.(never served time but have been there)
No one knows what tomorrow can bring you may find yourself there someday.
I hope you all can some day find peace in your souls.
I do feel for the family and pray for them to. I pray for Sarah but we know she is in heaven. A much better place than here.
That whole thing with his cell phone and "right to privacy" has the whole thing poleaxed but they had to do what they did in hopes of locating Sarah.Unfortunately its hard to convict with illegaly obtained evidence.....please God let him be punished either here or in the hereafter for his heinous crimes.
All of you people are so ignorant and dumb. None of you have any idea what is really going on. There was no illegally obtained evidence, there were no rights violated. The police did one heck of a job. When this is all over some of the ignorant people will never understand why what was done was done. It's because you only know what "you have heard" and what you think you know. If you don't know all of the facts about the case or the prosecution, don't speak. Things are done for a reason, and sometimes they work out for the better. But some people will never understand that. Maryland will NEVER execute this man, death penalty or not. But some of you just can't get that through your head.
He raped a child, he killed a child and he set her on fire, Fk him, what I do to him make a Billy goat puke. And I have been in a cage. Half the people in that poor childs life failed her. They probably wouldnt want to be around me themselves. The good thing about death row is its 23/1. You are in that cell. He would never go to gen-pop, he would be seg from day one. He would be in a unit where they are all sex preditors and probably some mentally ill people as well. But he wouldnt be in a cell 23 hours a day.
Any further news? Its been nearly 24 hours.. What's going on?
Joe had every conceivable right to publish this post. I can understand requesting (REQUESTING, not demanding) a press blackout of important case-sensitive details while an investigation is going on if it could hinder police, etc. However, a story about a hearing being cancelled??? No way!!
Matt, you and your staff are sell out's. But it's okay because Sarah was not your daughter, right?
6:30 PM
Yes they are, totally. I am so glad to finally have someone posting who is as intelligent as me. It gets quite boring being the only one.
Now that you have joined me, maybe we can teach these clods something, eh?
Welcome aboard.
You guys have been watching way to much TV. Listen, just because a few of you volunteered with a search dont give you the right to dictate if the state takes or offers a plea.
There has not been any TALK of a plea deal. If you guys would stop assuming and wait patiently, you will see why in the long run they are postponing and cancelling motions days. Calm down, relax and justice will be served.
Joe, you do no justice by stirring up theories of why something is happening. I thought i knew you better then this.
Please 8:57 you thought he knew better? Why?
Secreacy only generates distrust in government. Tell it all, it doesn't matter.
To 5:21 I certainly do know cause I am there working everyday....and to most it is the Ritz, most have alot more than they had on the street and Maryland protects them . Please don't talk unless you know what you are talking about and you apparently don't.
Let's not lose sight of the major goal here: JUSTICE FOR SARAH FOXWELL. All the discussion in the world does not change the fact of her horrendous death, and the need for equal punishment for the person responsible.
In response to 6:30 pm (who called us "dumb and ignorant")...If I may take the liberty of speaking for most of us who have commented...It's the idea that Leggs is sentenced to death, it's the accuracy that the punishment fits the crime, and that his life in prison will be vastly different, given being placed on death row versus general population. Whether he actually dies is insignificant given Maryland's current stance. It's the right thing to do for the right reason.
I ask Why was this posted? That the question everyone should be asking!
5:21 ALL sex offenders ARE sick monsters!!!
11:42 PM
most have alot more than they had on the street
and that makes it the ritz?
and Maryland protects them
I have no idea what that is supposed to mean.
Just keep feeding and babysitting them. We don't need your unqualified criminal justice opinion. kthnx
Still say ANYTHING less than a death penalty conviction is a TOTAL FAILURE by all LE involved. Period!
8:28
Then you have know idea what you are talking about.
Joe, I have know about this post since it went up and I didn't make a comment because I just felt there is absolutely no way this could be true. Well now I need to share with you and everyone what I have come to learn. I work with a friend of a relative of Sarah Foxwell, now please keep in mind I am repeating what I have heard but based on the fact that several people in my office have asked off for Tuesday 29th I am beginning to believe it is true. Here it is - A plea has been done and Tuesday will be the day to be in Elkton because it is over. I don't know the details of this deal but I do want to tell you how i feel about it.
I am sick and disgusted with Davis Ruark,this man said over and over "I will settle for no less then the Death Penalty in this case". I believe that he told the family he would never plea out this case.
Anyway the reason I am sharing this information is that I feel anyone who had consider going to this trail may seriously consider going to Elkton on Tuesday.
Davis Ruark should not have handled this case from the beginning. Everyone thought he was the only one capable of handling this case but they were wrong. He should be removed from the prosecutors office no matter what the outcome of this case is. We have all experienced incidents of his being less than truthfull.
To 9:58 and 10:09, Davis less than truthful to his family, friends and office, YES, but the bottom line is this is Matt's deal, he held the authority here, NOT Davis.
5:21- you must be related to Leggs or something. You sound like an idiot. Prob not even working and sitting around on welfare. your welcom.
Joe please tell us this s*** is not true. If this piece of puke does not stay locked up for the rest of his life i will have lost all faith in our system. I don't know how anyone thinks this pc of s*** should have any rights.He didn't give Sarah her rights that horrible nite.I can't even make myself think of what that baby had to go through. I just can not imagine if that happen to my baby. And then to learn that our system is going to let her down. I am so angry right now. Please let us know whats going on.
9:36. All I heard from our fearless leaders in LE was that the death penalty was what they were going to do. If they don't do this, it is an utter failure and proof that we couldn't trust any of them from the very beginning! The entire community was promised nothing less and they had all the evidence necessary to push for it. Can you spell FAILURE? DISTRUST? I want to know WHO messed up! I want them to resign from their positions if this is the case. Does anyone remember what this community was promised???? If this is the case that he gets some ridiculous plea, the Wicomico County residents should DEMAND immediate resignations from these incompetent #$(#(#($$&@%!!
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