A Manager Charged With Murder?

[Jamesb58]

Hey Everyone:

I was reading through Screamscape.com and came upon a
story. Here is that Story:
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April 26, 2005

SEVIERVILLE (WATE) -- The murder trial for a Pigeon Forge amusement
park manager charged in the death of a woman who fell from a ride will
go forward.

Charles Stan Martin, 56, is charged with second degree murder and
reckless homicide in the death of 51-year-old June Carol Alexander, of
Nashville, in March 2004.

Martin had petitioned the judge to drop the charges against him but the
judge has refused.

Alexander fell from the Hawk, a ride at the Rockin' Raceway in Pigeon
Forge. Authorities say the ride was in motion when the safety strap came
undone. Alexander's family and friends said she was trying to get off the
ride when it started to move.

She died of her injuries at Fort Sanders Sevier Medical Center.

Martin was indicted and arraigned six months later.

The Hawk was dismantled in April 2004. The amusement park's attorney
told 6 News then that the ride is in storage and won't be reassembled at
the park.

Martin's next court date is scheduled for May 11th.
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After reading this, how could a manager be charged with 2nd Degree
Murder and Reckless Homicide???

2nd Degree Murder: A murder that is committed without premeditation
but with some intent (as general or transferred intent) or
other circumstances not covered by the first-degree murder statute

Reckless Homicide: Homicide caused by a person's reckless acts

UPDATE
May 11

SEVIERVILLE (WATE and AP) -- A jury of nine men and three women is seated Wednesday in the murder trial of a Pigeon Forge amusement park manager who's charged for the death of a woman who fell from a ride.

Six alternate jurors have also been selected, instead of the usual two or three. Opening statements will begin Wednesday morning. The jury will be sequestered during the trial.

The defense requested a change of venue Wednesday afternoon but the judge is expected to deny it.

Charles Stan Martin, who ran the Rockin' Raceway, is charged with second-degree murder and reckless homicide in the March 2004 death.

June Carol Alexander was on the Hawk when she fell about 60 feet. She later died at Fort Sanders Sevier Medical Center.

Investigators say they determined Alexander's safety harness didn't engage and they found jumper wires in the main electrical panel that may have short circuited the system.

According to a $96 million negligence lawsuit filed by Alexander's family, she had complained about her harness as the ride began swinging back and forth and asked to get off.

The lawsuit contends the 17-year-old operator pressed the emergency button but the ride kept going.

The case is getting national attention since criminal prosecution is rare in amusement park deaths. Court TV is at the Sevier County Courthouse covering the trial. Good Morning America also reported on the trial in its morning headlines Wednesday.

"It is horrific to think that someone took a ride and actually fell out of their seat," said Court TV reporter Jean Casarez. "It's something that's unbelievable to many. And I think lastly, the fact that there criminal charges have been brought is extremely unusual and do add to the interest."

Charles Martin could get up to 25 years in prison if he's convicted of second degree murder and another two to four years if he's convicted of reckless homicide.

Fatalities at amusement parks and related attractions are uncommon. Only about four occur each year.

The Hawk was dismantled in April 2004.
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I think this whole thing is a load of CRAP! This was an accident and
the manager had no intention on killing this person. This is way out
of line and horrible.

I SAY HE IS INNOCENT! What are your opinions?

[CoasterDave316]

Two to four years for reckless homicide would fit the crime in my opinion. I don't really see how they can charge him with Second Degree Murder since I don't think he intended on killing anyone.

[twixmix0303]

Who put the jumper wires in the control system?

[Jamesb58]

I think it was the Mechanic. No article I read, had that information. I
will be watching the trial on Court TV. I will keep you guys posted
on what is going on, as the trial goes on.

[sixflagsguy5]

That's bull!! Sometimes people pretend to not want to be on a ride, so I would guess that ride ops ignore it after awhile. At least they aren't puting him behind bars for life.

[Jamesb58]

Tennessee vs. Charles "Stan" Martin - Manager of "Rockin' Raceway"
Day 1 Report

The Trial Officially began at 1:00pm today. During the morning hours, Lawyers were able
to ask certain witness questions, before the jury came in. Both Prosecution and Defense
were able to ask questions. These questions were based on whether or not they would be
used during the actual trial.

DISCLAIMER:
All comments on this artical are not Official and are based off of watching the
proceedings on CourtTV. These comments/theories are based on interpretation.
For futher information, please visit http://www.courttv.com or watch CourtTV

Prosecution Openning Statement(OS) / Theories(T):
OS - Charles "Stan" Martin was in charge of "The Hawk" since it was built. Since
then, the ride has had many problems. Problems started developing just a
few months since being built.
OS - Charles "Stan" Martin was talked about the problems 3 times.
OS - Charles "Stan" Martin deliberatly by-passed the Safety System.
T - Charles "Stan" Martin knew that the jumper cables were there, but didn't
do anything to fix the problem

Defense Openning Statement (OS) / Theories (T):
OS - Charles "Stan" Martin did not put the jumper cables on the ride.
OS - Charles "Stan" Martin's reaction would not be of someone who
deliberatly would cause this to happen.
OS - Blaming Zamperla for the malfunction
OS - Zamperla and the Insurance company was running and manipulating the
ride for 3 days after the accident.
OS - Zamperla could have put the wires on during the 3 days.
OS - If Charles "Stan" Martin put the wires there, he could have taken down the
wires after the accident, but, he didn't know they were there.

Currently there are testimonies going on. Next is some of the information brought
by this morning testimony.

Expert Witness: Joey Dixon - Defendents Step-Son
-The ride would not operate when the Harness Pins were not closed
properly.
-Prior to the accident, a rider claimed that he almost fell out. After
that incident, the manufacture came out and tested the ride.
It operated correctly and all safety mechs. worked.
-Was not confident enough to operate the ride.
-Ride had several problems when it was first built.
-There were several seats that did not close right and the pins
wouldn't lock properly, when people were not in the seats.
But the ride wouldn't run when the pins were not set.
-Charles Martin (Defendent) fixed the ride the day of his
fathers Funeral.
Prosecution Theory? Charles Martin might not have been in the
right state of mind to properly fix the ride
-The circuit breaker had to be shut on and off everyday.
-Charles "Stan" Martin had access, fixed and worked on the Electrical Box.
-Charles "Stan" Martin was the only one who had knowledge of the mechanics
of the ride.

As it looks right now, he will probably be found guilty of Reckless or Careless Homicide.
The Defense is really doing well and things will be heating up soon.
Stay tune tomorrow, for Day 2!!

[Jamesb58]

UPDATE

Hey Everyone:

Sorry for the lack of daily updates. For further Daily Updates
Please go to the following link:
http://www.courttv.com/trials/martin/051405_ctv.html

[Jamesb58]

THE VERDICT IS IN!!!!!!!!!

Second Degree Murder - INNOCENT
Reckless Homicide - GUILTY

Sentancing will be on July 26th. He will face any where from
Probation to 4 years in prison!