Post by CCADP on Aug 30, 2005 5:41:51 GMT -5
From The Ledger
Lawyers: Allow Tests in Court
Nelson Serrano's counsel wants polygraph results used in the trial.
By Suzie Schottelkotte
The Ledger
BARTOW -- Lawyers for quadruple murder defendant Nelson I. Serrano argued Monday to have the results of polygraph tests admitted in his upcoming trial, saying that witnesses in the case showed deception when they took the lie-detector tests.
Polk Circuit Judge Susan Roberts continued the hearing to give defense lawyers time to finish presenting their evidence. A follow-up date hasn't been scheduled.
Results of polygraph exams aren't admissible in Florida courts because the scientific basis for the tests has been called into question, but Serrano's lawyers argued that the technology is sound and should be allowed.
Prosecutors countered that technology for measuring physical responses may have improved, but interpretation of that data still remains questionable.
Serrano, 66, stands accused of first-degree murder in the December 1997 execution-style slayings of four people at Erie Manufacturing Inc. in Bartow, where he had been a business partner. The state is seeking the death penalty for Serrano if he is convicted.
One of the witnesses who failed a polygraph test is Alvaro Penaherrera, Serrano's nephew, who rented a car in Orlando and made arrangements for Serrano to pick it up on the day of the killings.
Penaherrera told authorities he didn't know why Serrano wanted the car, but later showed deception in one instance when questioned by Florida Department of Law Enforcement authorities during a polygraph exam. A second polygraph test was inconclusive.
Defense lawyers want those results admitted during Serrano's murder trial next March.
Suzie Schottelkotte can be reached at suzbiz@yahoo.com or 863-533-9070.
Lawyers: Allow Tests in Court
Nelson Serrano's counsel wants polygraph results used in the trial.
By Suzie Schottelkotte
The Ledger
BARTOW -- Lawyers for quadruple murder defendant Nelson I. Serrano argued Monday to have the results of polygraph tests admitted in his upcoming trial, saying that witnesses in the case showed deception when they took the lie-detector tests.
Polk Circuit Judge Susan Roberts continued the hearing to give defense lawyers time to finish presenting their evidence. A follow-up date hasn't been scheduled.
Results of polygraph exams aren't admissible in Florida courts because the scientific basis for the tests has been called into question, but Serrano's lawyers argued that the technology is sound and should be allowed.
Prosecutors countered that technology for measuring physical responses may have improved, but interpretation of that data still remains questionable.
Serrano, 66, stands accused of first-degree murder in the December 1997 execution-style slayings of four people at Erie Manufacturing Inc. in Bartow, where he had been a business partner. The state is seeking the death penalty for Serrano if he is convicted.
One of the witnesses who failed a polygraph test is Alvaro Penaherrera, Serrano's nephew, who rented a car in Orlando and made arrangements for Serrano to pick it up on the day of the killings.
Penaherrera told authorities he didn't know why Serrano wanted the car, but later showed deception in one instance when questioned by Florida Department of Law Enforcement authorities during a polygraph exam. A second polygraph test was inconclusive.
Defense lawyers want those results admitted during Serrano's murder trial next March.
Suzie Schottelkotte can be reached at suzbiz@yahoo.com or 863-533-9070.