Philen Murder Charges Dropped; Jury Member Apologizes
By: Morgan Bond
Updated: January 13, 2012
"I'm still upset about the trial," said Joyce Leidig, a jury member who voted to convicted Randall Philen last November for the murder of his brother, Robert Philen.
Now that new evidence has emerged that could prove Philen's innocence, Leidig says she wants Philen to know she's remorseful for her vote during his trial.
"After all of this happened and even after the trial, I felt like Mr. Philen needed an apology," Leidig said.
She finally got to deliver that apology after Philen was released from jail earlier this week.
"He came up to me and comforted me. He gave me a hug," Leidig said.
As he has all along, Randall Philen maintains his innocence.
"In no way did I have anything to do with this murder," Philen said.
On Friday, a judge overturned Philen's guilty verdict, removing the Capital Murder charge from his record. He's still considered a suspect, but there is new evidence that could prove his innocence.
"It's just stressful and frustrating. That they won't let go of this and let the wheels of justice go on. I need some closure for me and my family," Philen said.
Philen will now have to go through another trial. Joyce hopes justice is served, and the family gets the closure they need.
"They had already lost one son. As Ms. Philen said, they got one son back," Leidig said.
Now that new evidence has emerged that could prove Philen's innocence, Leidig says she wants Philen to know she's remorseful for her vote during his trial.
"After all of this happened and even after the trial, I felt like Mr. Philen needed an apology," Leidig said.
She finally got to deliver that apology after Philen was released from jail earlier this week.
"He came up to me and comforted me. He gave me a hug," Leidig said.
As he has all along, Randall Philen maintains his innocence.
"In no way did I have anything to do with this murder," Philen said.
On Friday, a judge overturned Philen's guilty verdict, removing the Capital Murder charge from his record. He's still considered a suspect, but there is new evidence that could prove his innocence.
"It's just stressful and frustrating. That they won't let go of this and let the wheels of justice go on. I need some closure for me and my family," Philen said.
Philen will now have to go through another trial. Joyce hopes justice is served, and the family gets the closure they need.
"They had already lost one son. As Ms. Philen said, they got one son back," Leidig said.
