| Media coverage of John`s arrest and trial John was arrested January 3rd, 1995. From day one his case made headlines and was on the front pages of different newspapers numerous times. Elmer Rode was Dean of Admissions at Lamar University and a well known figure in the community. Every murder case draws the attention of the media but even more so in this case. The Rode murder was no. 6 of top annual news stories! It was on page 1A of the Beaumont Enterprise on: 12/26/1994 12/27/1994 12/28/1994 12/31/1994 1/4/1995 1/4/1995 1/5/1995 2/10/ 1995 3/3/1995 A news director and afternoon talk show host from Beaumont even reported that John was a convicted murderer before the jury had read the verdict!! All this was presented at trial and different residents of Beaumont gave their opinions that John could not get a fair trial. In the transcripts one can find statements like: ` �. doesn`t think John can receive a fair trial because he has already been convicted in the media`, `In my personal opinion there is no way on earth he could get a fair trial. After talking to the people in school functions, church and stores, they are proof that John couldn`t get a fair trial because the people have such strong views`, `John can�t get a fair trial because of the media coverage and the amount of coverage.`, `News coverage makes him look guilty`. Of course there were statements saying that the articles were fair and accurate. But how can an article be fair when it refers to John as the murderer even before the trial was started?! John`s lawyer filed 3 motions for change of venue which were denied! John never had a fair chance to prove his innocence because the jury could not be impartial. From the moment John and his brother were arrested all other suspects and major leads were dropped. The public opinion was formed by statements like `Lieutenant believes each suspect fired shots that killed LU registrar`(Beaumont enterprise, 1/4/1995 � one day after John`s arrest!) and extensive and wrong coverage. This case has all the makings of how an innocent man can be sent to Death-row! That is exactly what has happened! Beaumont Enterprise, 9/20/1996 � `Judge denies venue change` Beaumont Enterprise, 10/30/1996 - `Judge refuses venue change for Dewberry` |