Stanley can’t preside over Sullivan’s case
An alleged confession to Judge Bart Stanley — who was once his attorney — has prompted the Supreme Court to assign a special judge to preside over the trial of suspected killer Eric Sullivan.
Sullivan, 37, and co-defendant, Margie Farley, 31, will go to trial May 29 for the May 2000 beating death of Louie Johnson, 63. Lawmen say Sullivan beat Johnson to death with a tire tool outside the victim’s Old Smithville Road residence during an alleged robbery. Farley, an acquaintance of the victim, was reportedly with Sullivan at the time of the killing.
The assignment of special Judge James L. Weatherford comes due to the fact Circuit Court Judge Bart Stanley once represented Sullivan on the first-degree murder charges. Stanley, prior to his election as judge last year, was recused from the case due to a conflict.
It was during his representation of Sullivan that Stanley was privy to a confession made by his client. Sullivan reportedly admitted to Stanley, while speaking with him at Warren County Jail, that he beat Johnson, claiming he was protecting Farley who was being attacked.
The alleged confession was overheard by a sheriff’s deputy who later testified during Sullivan’s preliminary hearing. This testimony prompted claims of violation of attorney-client privilege by the unintended eavesdropping. The overheard confession will not be allowed into evidence during trial.