Inmate released on bail after 15 years on death row (Tenn)

[softheart]

Nov. 23, 2003
CHATTANOOGA - A Chattanooga man who spent at least 15 years on Tennessee's
death row is now free on $100,000 bail.

''I can't even imagine what he's going through,'' said Michael Richardson,
the attorney for Michael Lee McCormick. ''I don't know what his short-term
plans are other than enjoying his freedom and walking in the sunshine.''

Four bonding companies put up the money to release McCormick, 50, who had
been in the Hamilton County Jail. He still faces a possible retrial on the
murder charge that put him on death row.

McCormick was convicted and sentenced to die for the 1985 Valentine's Day
murder of Chattanooga pharmacist Donna Jean Nichols.

The state Court of Criminal Appeals granted McCormick a new trial in 1997
based on ineffective assistance of counsel. The state appealed that
decision. Hamilton County Criminal Court Judge Doug Meyer last month ruled
to suppress parts of the state's evidence against him.

Special prosecutor Mike Taylor said Friday the victim's family was unaware
of McCormick's release. Prosecutors had appealed Meyer's decision to set
bail.

''The judge didn't dismiss the case. It's still there,'' Taylor said.
''But on whether the suppression of evidence stands, the district
attorney's office will have to decide whether we can proceed with a trial,
and that's a decision I'll have to make when the time comes.''

Meyer ruled in October that statements McCormick made to investigators
could not be used against him because he was denied a lawyer while being
questioned about the case in 1985. The ruling also said that the
circumstances under which McCormick admitted to the killing were meant to
''overbear the defendant's will.''

The conditions of McCormick's bail require him to stay in the area and not
have any contact with the Nichols family.

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Source : Associated Press

[KRIS_NC]

CONGRATS TO YOU MR. MCCORMICK

[louise1120]

Wow that is something...I wish Mr McCormick and his family the best!

[valeriemalone]

OMG! That is just terrific. I know that he can never make up the years he has missed, but I hope that he enjoys his time out.