1994-11-12
| - 2001-02-28 |
|---|
| Michael R. West, 40, is charged with an enhanced count of murder in the Nov. 12, 1994, death of Alfred R. Mingo, 31, Another inmate at the William Clements, Jr Unit, Jimmie D. Watson, 46, also faces an enhanced charge of murder in Mingo's death. |
Both are accused of hitting Mingo with a weapon, causing his death. The murder charges were enhanced because the inmates have prior felony convictions.
In opening statements in West's murder trial, prosecutor Pat Murphy said evidence will show Mingo was slain because of an argument with Watson over another inmate's radio.
Murphy told jurors West hit Mingo from behind with a combination lock as Mingo was playing dominoes in a prison day room. Mingo lingered for two years and seven months before he succumbed to his injuries, Murphy said
