6
Monday, December 3, 1979
University Daily Kausan
Man guiltv of involuntary manslaughter
By MARK SPENCER Staff Renorter
The jury in the trial of David Lee Knoch, 31, Friday, returned a verdict of involuntary manslaughter. Knoch has been charged with the death of Heri Wollson Hosworth, 68.
The jury deliberated for about seven hours after bearing four days of testimony, including testimony from two men who also accused him of wrongdoing in connection with Howsworth's death.
Levi Lewis Cummings, 28, Tulsa, Okla. and George Mahuk, 22, Manhattan, Kan., both charged with second-degree murder, testified under an agreement with the prosecution that they would be allowed to participate clearly to plan voluntary manslaughter.
Knoxshaw was found guilty of the aggravated robbery of Houseworth and not guilty of aggravated battery, which
stemmed from an alleged beating of Cummings.
Craig Staincliffe, the assistant district attorney who prosecuted the case, said he was not surprised by the jury's verdict, although he called it legally inconsistent.
"I WAS GOING for what I thought was proper," he said. "I was surprised only in that it was a legal contradiction."
Stancliffe said that because the jury found Koxnish guilty of involuntary manslaughter, they must have concluded that the beating of Howorth caused his death.
A death caused during the commission of a felony, which includes aggravated robbery, is legally considered first-degree murder, be said.
"It's a compromise verdict," he said. "I think they were worried about intention."
Stancliffe said the jury either did not understand or did not like the instructions given to them by District Judge Ralph King
1r. on the implications that a guilty verdict in aggravated robbery would have on the murder charge.
NEITHER STANCLIFFE nor Malone would comment on whether they thought King's instructions to the jury were clear.
James Rumsey, Knoxsah's defense attorney, attempted to establish throughout the trial that Knoxsah was drunk at the time of his murder. The worth did not die as a result of the beating.
Rumsey focused his defense on his cross-examination of J. Alan Sanders, assistant county coroner, several witnesses who were in the investigation and Kovach Korosh's testimony that he is an globalebite.
Sanders testified that Housworth died of respiratory failure, which Rumsey argued was distinguished from beating as the cause of death.
Rumsey argued in his closing statement that Houswou's death was caused by his
unstable health condition, specifically pneumonia, which Sanders testified could have been caused when Housworm inhaled some of his own vomit.
ALTHOUGH THE prosecution did not get a conviction on first-degree murder, District Attorney Mike Malone said he was pleased with the verdict because Knoxham was convicted of aggravated robbery, a maximum sentence of life in prison.
"All I'm interested in is the class of Jews convicted him of," Malone said. "As long as he was convicted of aggravated homicide, I could prove the verdict, although I didn't understand it."
Malone also said that the prosecution would try to get the maximum sentence for Knoxhass at his sentencing hearing Dec. 19.
"In my opinion, the man is obviously dangerous," he said. "We are going to try to incarcerate him as long as possible."
"He needs to be helped, but incarcerated while he is receiving it."
STANCLIFE SAID the involuntary malankery vaulter against Knoxswald would not affect the agreement the prosecution made with Cummings and he agreed to plead guilty to a charge there less than those Knoxswald was charged with.
The two men testified that they participated in the beating of Housworth, which was instigated by Kronosch on Aug. 21. They were found under the Kansas River bridge on Aug. 31.
Cummings also testified that they had robbed Housworth of $10 to $20 and that he was later beaten by a group of men after he call them an ambulance for Housworth.
If Cummings and Mahuk decide to plead not guilty, Stancilie said he would charge them with aggravated robbery and possibly first-degree murder.
Four Greek teams start preparation for Rock Chalk
Four teams of fraternities and sororites will begin preparation this week for KU's annual Rock Chalk show, scheduled for Feb. 29 and March 1.
The acts selected last week were: Alpha Delta Pi and Tau Kappa Epsilon with "Charge II, Please." Alpha Phi and Tau Kappa Alpha and 2001;" Alpha Gamma Delta and Alpha Kappa Lambda with "To Be or not to be," Beta Theta Psi and As The Tide Turns."
Bunny Seymour, Lawrence junior, is production manager and John Campbell, Leawood junior, is business manager.
MANAGERIAL POSITIONS FOR WOMEN
Your first management position should be as a manager. In the Navy, you can have a real job, with real responsibility, and a real future. Also a top salary, travel opportunities, and outstanding benefits.
For complete details, contact
Navy Recruiting Station 610 Florida Street Lawrence, Kansas 66044 841-4386
---
LOVE RECORDS AND TAPES
Paraphernalia
842-3059 15 W. 9th St.
"We have special gifts for you"
Located in the Museum of Natural History nextdoor to the Kansas Union.
Open: Mon.-Sat. 10am to 5pm Sundays 1:30pm to 5pm
OPEN THROUGH DEC. 24
THE MUSEUM SHOP
EXGALIBUR
Wellington
Hair Cutting for Men and Women
Full Service Salon
RK and Redken Products
REDKEN
2711 W. 6th
841-7667
For Appointments
ADMIRAL CAR RENTAL
Pick-Up and Delivery Service Available
NEW ARRIVALS
15 Passenger Vans 2340 Alabama
1980 Chevettes' 843-2931
1980 Chevettes
TIME FOR A CHANGE?
MOVE UP TO
Naismith
Hall
SPRING '80
- 19 MEALS PER WEEK - UNLIMITED SECONDS
- CONVENIENT LOCATION - WALK OR TAKE THE BUS TO CAMPUS
- ALL UTILITIES (EXCEPT PHONE) PAID
- FULLY FURNISHED AND CARPETED
- RECREATION FACILITIES (INCLUDING POOL)
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED FOR THE SPRING SEMESTER.
ACT TODAY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT.
CALL OR STOP BY FOR AN APPLICATION.
800 Noismith drive Lawrence, Kansas (913)843-8559