Jury selection begins for dad charged in rape and death of 14-month-old daughter (Athens, Georgia)

Back in 2003 or thereabouts, Dad MITCHELL DELASHMITT confessed to the rape and murder of his 14-month-old daughter (yes, Dad was "babysitting" while Mom was at work). But the confession was thrown out in 2007, after Dad claimed his request for an attorney (before the confession) had been denied. There's also been some controversy regarding the former county medical examiner and his autopsy report. The upshot is that Dad's been out on $15,000 bond for three years now, and is only now going to trial--again.

http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2010/may/11/jury-selection-begins-child-death-case/?breakingnews

Tuesday, May 11, 2010 - 10:29 a.m.
Jury selection begins in child death case

By: Randall Higgins

ATHENS, Tenn. — Jury selection began this morning in McMinn County Circuit Court in the trial of a father charged in the 2003 rape and death of his 14-month-old daughter.

Angel Mae Dunn was found in a pond at the family home. Mitchell Delashmitt told police at the time that he had been asleep while he was supposed to be babysitting the child while her mother, Rebecca Dunn Green, was at work.

He later confessed and charged with felony murder, aggravated child abuse and rape of a child.

In 2007, his confession was thrown out by Judge Carroll Ross on the grounds that prosecutors ignored Mr. Delashmitt’s request for an attorney before he confessed. His bond was reduced from $100,000 to $15,000. He has remained free on bond.

Judge Ross told potential jurors that the trial likely will take three to four days.

The medical examiner’s report also became a factor in the trial.

Former Bradley County Medical Examiner Ron Toolsey’s autopsy report is disputed by the defense attorney.

Mr. Toolsey’s medical license was suspended by the state of Tennessee last year after an investigation into malpractice allegations related to the Delashmitt case.

Judge Ross told jurors that some of the “significant witnesses” may include Mr. Toolsie.