Man charged in death of Huron High School student opts for a bench trial
The man accused of bludgeoning Huron High School student Anna List last year will still stand trial on murder and carjacking charges Monday, but not before a jury of his peers.
Dominic Oyerinde goes on trial Monday.
Dominic Oyerinde, 21, opted for a bench trial before Circuit Judge Archie Brown during an emergency hearing in Washtenaw County Circuit Court on Thursday, officials said.
Oyerinde didn't state a reason for the switch, but said the decision was his after Circuit Judge David Swartz explained how the trial will be different. Swartz filled in for Brown, who was on vacation last week.
Authorities allege Oyerinde beat List with a hammer during an argument outside Recreation Park in Ypsilanti on Jan. 13, 2009, then stole her van. The two were dating at the time.
List, a 17-year-old senior, died roughly a week later.
Oyerinde was arrested in a relative’s Detroit home.
Comments
John of Saline
Sun, Mar 7, 2010 : 12:48 p.m.
Speaking of foster care, whatever happened to orphanages?
PBQUEEN
Sun, Mar 7, 2010 : 11:14 a.m.
The sad thing is, at this point, there likely is no hope for this young man. The tragedy, however, is that we created him. Our foster care system broke this child, piece by piece until he was beyond repair. He was in foster care without adequate treatment for mental health issues, ripped from the people he knew and loved over and over again. No wonder he now trusts no one, has no ability to bond to anyone. That this young woman tried to help him and cared about him was his curse - he knew he was not worthy and had to destroy her. Until we change how we deal with children who come into our abuse and neglect system, we will continue to create young people just like this young man. The proof? Take a look at the population of our adult criminal system and you'll be astounded at the number that have aged out of foster care. It's beyond shameful.
ezbngreen
Sun, Mar 7, 2010 : 9:23 a.m.
If in fact he is guilty... This could be the biggest coward of all time: Hitting a young woman in the back of the head with a claw hammer. I can only hope for the best for him which would be life in prison....
I_love_ann_arbor
Sun, Mar 7, 2010 : 2:33 a.m.
A bench trial is the BEST defense because a Judge MUST go strictly by the law. A juror will 98% of the time use his/her emotions and their perception based on the media. I know it sounds as though i am on the side of the defendant BUT in AMERICA EVERYONE IS INNOCENT until proven guilty BEYOND a reasonable doubt. DON'T BE HYPOCRITES! Either you believe in OUR SYSTEM or you don't. Which means you are not as AMERICAN as you proclaim to be!!! All of US posters are blogging about his guilt but OUR SYSTEM is based on laws that are written. And precedents that are set! If he has a good lawyer who has resources and students, he will win this case.(Examples: OJ Simpson, Ray Lewis, AAPD, WCSD, and others. And we must accept that because that is OUR SYSTEM! PERIOD!!
belboz
Sat, Mar 6, 2010 : 8:43 p.m.
No... What is a real dandy is the society we've created that leads to individuals growing up with a single parent, poor job, no healthcare, poor living conditions, etc... Why would someone feel an integral part of society when they see no place for them in the society. People drive around in cars made overseas,passing judgement on those who have lost their jobs or familes that never had good jobs and are unable to give the care and comfort kids deserve. I feel as bad as everyone for the victims. But, the blame doesn't lie solely on the shoulders of the person committing the crime. The real crime is the decreasing quality of life that America is experiencing. So, enjoy that foreign car, or whatever other product America no longer produces that you are buying. With it, our society is chipped away....
stonecutter1
Sat, Mar 6, 2010 : 8:01 p.m.
Not knowing the specifics of this case, this guy must think(or know) that he didn't do it. The only chance the truly guilty(i.e. O.J., Robert Blake, MJ) have are in the hands of an easily influenced and inexperienced jury. A judge will most often assume you're guilty, unless there is (factual) reasonable doubt. Hope you made the right choice. I suspect you probably didn't!