Post by CCADP on Aug 23, 2005 6:29:25 GMT -5
Homicide suspect has troubled past
By ANTHONY LANE
Star-Tribune staff writer Tuesday, August 23, 2005
Sarah Beth Barnett, Star-Tribune
Keith Booth makes his initial appearance in the homicide case of Gregory Clarkson in Natrona County Circuit Court on Monday afternoon. Clarkson, a taxi driver, was found shot to death in his cab last Thursday in Casper.
NewsTracker
* Last we knew: Keith Booth was arrested Friday on suspicion of first-degree murder.
* The latest: Booth appeared in court Monday and was held without bond.
* What's next: A preliminary hearing is expected next week.
Court documents and school records outline a tumultuous few years for the 18-year-old who is now suspected in last week's shooting death of a Casper taxi driver.
Nearly two years ago, Keith Jordan Booth attended Roosevelt High School for a period of weeks between stints at the Juvenile Detention Center and in other programs, according to school Principal Mike Pickett.
He was later sent to the Wyoming Boys' School, a correctional facility and school near Worland run by the state's Department of Family Services, according to Stephanie Sprecher, a Natrona County assistant district attorney.
He now faces charges of first-degree murder and aggravated robbery in connection with the killing of Gregory Clarkson. Police say Clarkson was shot once in the chest early Thursday morning as he went to pick up a fare.
Booth left the Boys' School the Thursday before, Sprecher said.
The courtroom was packed on Monday afternoon as Booth made his initial appearance on the charges. He was respectful as he answered questions from Judge Michael Huber, and he did not protest the state's recommendation that he be held in jail without bond. He was then quietly ushered from the courtroom.
The scene that developed outside the courtroom moments later was far more emotional. Clarkson's family members and friends gathered in groups, weeping and exchanging hugs.
A woman who identified herself in court as Booth's mother stood in the lobby with a smaller group.
It was several minutes before all had left the building.
Booth's own demeanor was reserved in court, as he alternately lowered his head and shielded his face with papers while photographers focused upon him.
His picture, however, could not be located at Roosevelt, where Pickett said he was a fleeting presence.
"We had him 20 days, and we never had him since," Pickett said, explaining that Booth did not have perfect attendance during that time.
The precise event or situation that accounts for Booth's departure from Roosevelt is not clear. Pickett said his last day was Sept. 29, 2003.
Casper police arrested him about a week later on suspicion of interfering with a police officer. According to the arrest affidavit, Booth was then listed as an "active runaway." He was arrested after he reportedly gave a false identity to police.
The interference charge was ultimately dismissed, as was a misdemeanor battery charge that was filed earlier the same year.
A search of Natrona County Circuit Court records also revealed his arrest in February 2003 on a charge of reckless endangering. He pleaded guilty to that charge and was sentenced to 180 days of detention.
While Circuit Court records are available for inspection, any charges Booth might have faced in the juvenile justice system are closed.
Tony Lewis, deputy director of the Department of Family Services, said he could not confirm whether Booth was at the Boys' School or whether his department had any involvement with him.
Booth faces significant prison terms if he is convicted of either of the charges filed against him. Aggravated burglary carries a penalty of up to 25 years in prison. Homicide in the commission of a robbery, which is equivalent to first-degree murder, can result in the death penalty.
Sprecher said it is "too early" to say if prosecutors will seek the death penalty in Booth's case.
Reporter Anthony Lane can be reached at (307) 266-0593 or at anthony.lane@casperstartribune.net.
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By ANTHONY LANE
Star-Tribune staff writer Tuesday, August 23, 2005
Sarah Beth Barnett, Star-Tribune
Keith Booth makes his initial appearance in the homicide case of Gregory Clarkson in Natrona County Circuit Court on Monday afternoon. Clarkson, a taxi driver, was found shot to death in his cab last Thursday in Casper.
NewsTracker
* Last we knew: Keith Booth was arrested Friday on suspicion of first-degree murder.
* The latest: Booth appeared in court Monday and was held without bond.
* What's next: A preliminary hearing is expected next week.
Court documents and school records outline a tumultuous few years for the 18-year-old who is now suspected in last week's shooting death of a Casper taxi driver.
Nearly two years ago, Keith Jordan Booth attended Roosevelt High School for a period of weeks between stints at the Juvenile Detention Center and in other programs, according to school Principal Mike Pickett.
He was later sent to the Wyoming Boys' School, a correctional facility and school near Worland run by the state's Department of Family Services, according to Stephanie Sprecher, a Natrona County assistant district attorney.
He now faces charges of first-degree murder and aggravated robbery in connection with the killing of Gregory Clarkson. Police say Clarkson was shot once in the chest early Thursday morning as he went to pick up a fare.
Booth left the Boys' School the Thursday before, Sprecher said.
The courtroom was packed on Monday afternoon as Booth made his initial appearance on the charges. He was respectful as he answered questions from Judge Michael Huber, and he did not protest the state's recommendation that he be held in jail without bond. He was then quietly ushered from the courtroom.
The scene that developed outside the courtroom moments later was far more emotional. Clarkson's family members and friends gathered in groups, weeping and exchanging hugs.
A woman who identified herself in court as Booth's mother stood in the lobby with a smaller group.
It was several minutes before all had left the building.
Booth's own demeanor was reserved in court, as he alternately lowered his head and shielded his face with papers while photographers focused upon him.
His picture, however, could not be located at Roosevelt, where Pickett said he was a fleeting presence.
"We had him 20 days, and we never had him since," Pickett said, explaining that Booth did not have perfect attendance during that time.
The precise event or situation that accounts for Booth's departure from Roosevelt is not clear. Pickett said his last day was Sept. 29, 2003.
Casper police arrested him about a week later on suspicion of interfering with a police officer. According to the arrest affidavit, Booth was then listed as an "active runaway." He was arrested after he reportedly gave a false identity to police.
The interference charge was ultimately dismissed, as was a misdemeanor battery charge that was filed earlier the same year.
A search of Natrona County Circuit Court records also revealed his arrest in February 2003 on a charge of reckless endangering. He pleaded guilty to that charge and was sentenced to 180 days of detention.
While Circuit Court records are available for inspection, any charges Booth might have faced in the juvenile justice system are closed.
Tony Lewis, deputy director of the Department of Family Services, said he could not confirm whether Booth was at the Boys' School or whether his department had any involvement with him.
Booth faces significant prison terms if he is convicted of either of the charges filed against him. Aggravated burglary carries a penalty of up to 25 years in prison. Homicide in the commission of a robbery, which is equivalent to first-degree murder, can result in the death penalty.
Sprecher said it is "too early" to say if prosecutors will seek the death penalty in Booth's case.
Reporter Anthony Lane can be reached at (307) 266-0593 or at anthony.lane@casperstartribune.net.
Subscribe to the Casper Star-Tribune!"