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Linehan FreeFuture uncertainMechele Linehan is a free woman for now. The stripper turned soccer mom was convicted of murder, then had that conviction overturned. And now the indictment has been tossed out. But just because Linehan is headed home doesn't mean the case is necessarily over. It's far from over because the state is analyzing evidence and waiting on a key witness to determine if it should re-indict Linehan for Kent Leppink's murder. For Mechele Linehan, this court appearance was quick and easy. “I believe that bail should be exonerated,” said state prosecutor Paul Miovas. “That Mrs. Linehan should be free from any bail conditions at this point.” The ball is now in the state's court as prosecutors try to figure out if they should try to re indict her for the 1996 murder of her former fiancé Kent Leppink. There has been some discussion behind the scenes but the state says in order to move forward it needs a key witness. “There is an essential witness right now, John Carlin IV, who there is an issue regarding whether he will be a viable witness and we may need the court to intervene,” said Miovas. Carlin’s father, John Carlin III was convicted of carrying out the murder of Leppink. During Linehan's trial in 2007 the younger Carlin testified that he had seen Linehan and his dad try to clean a gun that police say was used to kill Leppink. Carlin hired a lawyer a few weeks ago and the state wants to consult with that attorney before moving forward. “You can't just subpoena somebody if they are represented by counsel I can't just completely cut his attorney out,” said Miovas. As things continue to change, Linehan's lawyer says her client's life is in limbo. “Four different judges now have said that the evidence that was used to indict her and convict her at trial initially was unfair and prejudicial,” said Cynthia Strout. And while Linehan didn't say much in court, her mother posted the statement "fly home my little freebird" on her Facebook page. But whether Linehan is back in an Alaska courtroom is now up to the state. Linehan's lawyer says Mechele and her husband are already headed home to Washington to see her child. In the meantime prosecutors say they will make a decision on whether they will re indict her within the next few weeks. |
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Anonymous said on Tuesday, Jul 10 at 9:36 AM
I have never seen a more manipulative,guilty, evil person. Juggling 3 men should attest to her bad character, and because Kent's letter was deemed unfair!She is free, Kent's death was UNFAIR!and she wasn't in jail very long. Got away with MURDER!
95996696Anonymous said on Thursday, Jan 19 at 7:49 AM
The DA is talking smack. His only remaining evidence is Carlin Jr. Even a GJ won't indict.
80105864Janet said on Wednesday, Jan 18 at 3:02 PM
Even if I believed the worst case scenario, she was 23 and the discussions with Carlin, much older, went over the edge. She did not kill anyone, was not there, and has already stayed in prison a very long time, and far from home. Since Carlin IVth is suing the state of AK for his dad's death he'll probably say whatever they want to hear. ($$$$) Mechele has been punished, Carlin has been punished. This has been going on for years and years. Alaska must have a ton of money to pursue this again. Right now only the lawyers and Carlin 4th are profiting. Everyone else loses.
80076778briamrogers said on Wednesday, Jan 18 at 11:45 AM
goodbye mechele!!!!
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