Erik D. Jones’s Blog

Bismark Dinius did not hear good news today as the Judge denied the defense attorney’s motion to dismiss the Lake County District Attorney from the trial. Judge Byrne said today in court “There is sufficient evidence that the matter has to be tried.” The Judge ruled against the defense after hearing arguments from both sides. Defense attorney claimed that the Deputy District Attorney Haltom purposefully withheld vital evidence revealed to the defense on the day the trial was set to begin last May.

There were about two dozen protesters outside the Superior Court today in Lake County with equal numbers of supporters for both Dinius, the accused in this case, and Russell Purdock, the officer who was driving the speed boat that crashed into into the sailboat killing Lynn Thornton. To date, Purdock has not been charged with any crime despite admittedly driving at speeds in excess of 40 MPH.

The court is in recess right now while the Judge considers the date for the trial to begin. The defense has said “We want to go as quickly as possible.” The attorneys are meeting with the Judge in chambers.