Man seeks new trial, sentence in Stoddart murder

A convicted killer’s attorney was in court Friday for a post-conviction relief hearing to determine if his client’s civil rights were violated during his trial.

Torey Adamcik was found guilty in the 2006 murder of Cassie Jo Stoddart in Pocatello. They were friends who both attended Pocatello High School, when he was accused of planning her death and subsequently stabbing her 29 times.

In separate trials, Adamcik and Brian Draper were both found guilty of first-degree murder.

Now Adamcik’s lawyer said his client didn’t get a fair shake in the trial.

“The theory of the case is that Torey didn’t inflict the fatal wound and due to missteps by the defense, critical evidence that would have supported that theory of the case was excluded,” said Dennis Benjamin, Adamcik’s attorney.

Based on these claims, Adamcik is seeking a new trial or new sentencing.

Stoddart’s family sat in court Friday afternoon listening to 90 minutes of arguments from both Adamcik’s attorney and Bannock County Deputy Prosecutor Ian Service.

“I hope they keep that guy in jail where he belongs. If not, put him next to my house and we’ll see what happens,” said Frank Sisneros, Stoddart’s great uncle.

“It’s never been over. The Adamcik family brings it up every year, and we said just accept it and forget about it,” said Paul Sisneros, Stoddart’s grandfather.

But Benjamin said there are good reasons to revisit the case.

He said Adamcik’s original counsel failed to request the murder weapons for testing. He said when police seized a computer without probable cause, Adamcik’s defense didn’t move to suppress the evidence.

Benjamin also said at one point during the trial, the prosecutor called Adamcik’s attorney a liar in front of the jury.

“The jury hearing that was very prejudicial to Torey’s case, obviously, because the jury’s not going to believe someone who has a liar for a lawyer,” said Benjamin.

Prosecutors have asked for a summary dismissal of the claims.

The judge will make his ruling in writing at an unspecified date.