Teens Waive Right to Hearing

  

Two 18-year-old teens from Pulaski, Tn., Matthew Wood and William Angel, both waived their right to a preliminary hearing in a Giles County Court appearance on Tuesday Dec. 8th, 2009. They are charged with the murders of Desere Thornton, 38 and her two sons: Jerrod, 16 and Anthony aged 9.

Prosecutors allege that both Wood and Angel had a dispute with Jerrod Thornton over an ex-girlfriend. All three of them attended Richland High School. The dispute escalated to the point where, on Oct. 23, Wood and Angel paid a visit to the Thornton home. They killed all three residents and then burned the house down to cover their crime. See previous post for all the details.

In a surprise move, first Matthew Wood and then William Angel stood before Judge John Damron and voluntarily waived their right to a preliminary hearing. This means that the case will now be handed over to a grand jury which will determine if there is enough evidence to proceed with a trial.

"We are looking forward to seeing the evidence so we can analyze it," Defense attorney William Massey said. "We have a lot of work to do in front of us, as well."

   

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