NITA Publications

State v. Casey Case File

Both the defense and the prosecution agree that Bill and Stephen Melton were murdered in their home with Bill's own shotgun. The defense and prosecution do not agree on who pulled the trigger.

The defendant, Michael Casey, has been charged with first-degree murder in the deaths of his stepfather, Bill Melton, and his half-brother, Stephen Melton. Michael confessed to Detective Stevens but later contends that it was his mother who actually shot Bill and Stephen in order to collect $500,000 in insurance money. The prosecution stands by their case that Michael killed both victims and would have killed his own mother if he didn't run out of bullets.

There are four witnesses for both the plaintiff and the defendant, including a forensic scientist and coroner. The case file includes CD-ROM containing exhibits for the case.

• >> TABLE OF CONTENTS
  PROBLEMS SECTION CONTENTS
  
  Acknowledgments
  Introduction
  
  Direct, Cross, and Redirect Examination
  1. Detective Pat Stevens
  2. Michael Casey
  
  Handling and Introduction of Exhibits
  3. Photograph
  4. Diagram of Melton Living Room and Kitchen
  
  Impeachment and Redirect Examination
  5. Terry Hodges
  6. Jan Gregg
  
  Expert Witnesses
  7. Brett King
  
  Pretrial Evidentiary Motions
  8. Evidence of Dianna Melton Receiving Alanco Insurance Benefits
  9. Evidence of Defendant's Watching The Morrison Murders movie
  
  Jury Selection
  10. Problem
  
  Opening Statements
  11. Problem
  
  Closing Arguments
  12. Problem
  
  
  CASE FILE CONTENTS
  
  Introduction
  Special Instructions for Use as a Full Trial
  Information
  911 Transcript
  
  Photographs
  Living Room and Large Couch in Melton Home
  Hallway Entrance and Hallway Leading to Master Bedroom
  Melton Mobile Home
  Interior of Trailer
  Bathroom and Right-Handed Glove
  Master Bedroom Ceiling in Doorway Area
  Particles on Dianna Melton's Bed and Clothing
  
  Diagrams
  Melton Property
  The Melton Home
  Back of Melton Home
  Living room and Kitchen
  TV Guide for November 19, YR-2
  
  Police Reports
  Offense Report by Detective Pat Stevens
  Scene Investigation
  Search of Premises
  Items of Evidence
  Transcript of Statement Dianna Melton
  Transcript of Call from Dianna Melton to Michael Casey
  Transcript of Statement of Michael Casey
  Statement of Terry Hodges
  Statement of Jan Gregg
  Statement of Sherry Melton
  Supplemental Report by Detective Pat Stevens
  The Morrison Murders
  TV Shows on November 19, YR-2
  Supplemental Report by Detective Pat Stevens--Statement of Pat Hermanski
  Supplemental Report by Detective Pat Stevens
  Insurance Policies
  Agreement and Release for Nita Bell Insurance Proceeds
  Final Statement on William Melton's Alanco Group Life Policy
  Supplemental Report by Detective Pat Stevens
  Video Taping and Replacement of Master Bedroom Door
  Ceiling Gouge and Particles
  Report of Forensic Scientist Brett King
  Supplemental Report of Forensic Scientist Brett King
  Report of Fingerprint Examination of Christina Barney
  
  Autopsy Report
  William Melton
  Stephen Melton
  Dr. Walker's Resume
  
  Arrest Records

• >> AUTHOR
  
  
  • Joseph E. Taylor
    
    
    • Joseph E. Taylor is a former public defender who now teaches trial advocacy at McGeorge School of Law at the University of the Pacific. He has participated in hundreds of felony jury trials, having served as the public defender for Riverside County (managing a nine-office organization with seventy-six attorneys), eight years as an assistant chief deputy for the Sacramento County District Attorney's office, a senior attorney with the Ventura County DA's office, supervising three units, including the major crimes unit, and occasionally prosecuting or defending criminal trials pro bono is his spare time. He has authored or co-authored ten trial practice cases and has excelled both in the courtroom and classroom. He was named both Professor of the Year (McGeorge School of Law, 2004) and Prosecutor of the Year (State of California, 1982- 1983). He actively litigates during the summer months, has served as judge pro tem in Sacramento Superior Court for the last fourteen years, and is currently a member of the California Parole Advocacy Program Advisory Committee.