2008 Woodie Awards
STAGG TRIAL: Judge Declares Mistrial
Katherine Jones
Issue date: 10/12/06 Section: News
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Stagg is accused of killing William J. Jennings, his romantic partner, in April 2004.
After deliberating for more than eight hours over a two-day period, the jury was unable to reach an agreement and told the judge they were split.
When asked, the jury foreman told the judge that even with more time, they would not be able to reach an agreement.
Upon hearing this, the judge declared a mistrial.
"I'm disappointed at the way it turned out," Stagg told the Muleskinner Wednesday.
"I'm hoping if it goes on, we'll have a better result. All their evidence is circumstantial; it's based on opinion.
"We have scientific evidence that should eliminate that," Stagg added. "My attorneys should be able to tighten up some of that if we go to trial."
According to The Kansas City Star, police and medical examiners ruled the incident as a homicide, saying there was evidence of a struggle in several rooms of the house.
The defense, however, pointed out that no blood was found on Stagg even after he allowed police to search his car and examine his clothes and other items.
"I have taken a polygraph test, but that can't be admitted into the Kansas court system. And I passed it, of course."
Scott Toth, the prosecuting attorney in the case, told the Muleskinner the state is maintaining their position that Stagg is guilty.
"We are planning on retrying Mr. Stagg and are still firmly committed to our belief that Mr. Stagg was responsible for the murder of William Jennings," Toth said.
He noted that the trial is "technically still pending, since [the jury] didn't reach a verdict" and refrained from further comment.
Stagg said he has been misquoted by the media in regards to the amount of courses he is teaching.
"I am teaching a full load," he said. "[During the trial], graduate students and some other faculty covered class for me. I appreciate that very much."
The prosecution and defense were asked to return to court Thursday Oct. 19, when a new trial date will be scheduled.
Information gathered from the Kansas City Star
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