Blaney murder trial to proceed in district court
The preliminary hearing and witness testimony in the trial of Timothy David Blaney continued Wednesday. During Wednesday’s hearing, Judge Rick Carnaroli determined that the State did meet its burden of proof and that Blaney will go to district court on the charge of first-degree murder. A jury trial is likely at this point but no judge or trial date has been determined at this time. Blaney will get a chance to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty in district court. If he pleads not guilty, he will face a jury.
The prosecution continued to present their case against Blaney by calling detectives with Pocatello Police to testify about the scene and what evidence was found the night Huffield died. The officers also testified to the time of death and the process of getting an autopsy.
The defense recalled Blaney’s wife, Diana Shaffer, to the stand and questioned her character and validity of her statements. The defense also dug into her history of relationships since she and Blaney separated.
During closing arguments the State argued the charge should remain first-degree murder because of the violence of it, the fact that it was premeditated, had malice, and the victim was defenseless in this instance.
The defense argued Blaney should be charged with voluntary manslaughter because it wasn’t premeditated, that it was done in the “heat of passion.” Defense argued that Blaney reacted in anger to the situation that night.
The judge ruled the State met its burden and the first-degree murder charge will stay. He also ruled that bond in the case will remain at $1 million.
Bannock County Chief Deputy Prosecutor Zachary Parris said he’s thrilled with the ruling, he believes first-degree murder was the appropriate charge.
“I’m glad the preliminary hearing is over and I’m very happy with the ruling the court made and we’re just glad to get this case moving forward,” he said.
If convicted, Blaney faces a maximum of life in prison and/or possibly the death penalty. But Parris said he doesn’t expect to see the death penalty in this case.
“It could be death,” Parris said. “We’re not anticipating at this particular time that we’ll file the death penalty. Ultimately, that’s up to Mr. Herzog, the elected prosecutor. He’s the one who makes that call. But the discussions we’ve had up to this point I am not anticipating that we’ll file for the death penalty.”
If the State does not file for the death penalty within 60 days of Blaney’s arraignment in district court, the death penalty is off the table.
There are currently five pending murder cases in Bannock County. Blaney’s case going to district court means all of the murder cases are now at the district level. Parris said it’s highly likely all cases will end up before a jury, but it depends on how each defendant decides to plea.
