Defense attorneys discovered evidence in a GBI report that revealed gunshot residue was found on both West and the toddler’s father, Louis Santiago, who repeatedly blamed West for the death of their son and later was arrested for stalking. They also believe West, who’s mentally unstable, shot her son for the insurance money.
“Other evidence of record suggests Sherry West is mentally unstable, gave several inconsistent accounts of how the crime transpired, and had a financial interest in the death of her son in the form of an insurance policy,” according to a pretrial motion filed by Kevin Gough, Elkins’ public defender, on Aug. 5, 2013.
West’s daughter, Ashley Glassey, told First Coast News her mother’s account is inconsistent, behavior was “suspicious” and even asked her, “How soon do you think the life insurance policy will send me a check?”
According to court filings, the defense team has audio recordings and documents showing the child’s mother had dealings with Gerber Life Insurance Co.
Investigators found no evidence at the scene of the crime that connects De’Marquise to the crime. His alleged accomplice, Dominique Lang, 15, is said to have backed up West’s accusation. However, leaders whom rolling out met with exclusively in the southeast Georgia town says it isn’t true.
Secondly, the .22 caliber gun found in a pond that has gotten Karimah and Katrina tangled up in this web hasn’t been placed in evidence as the weapon used to commit this heinous crime.
Here’s hoping post racial Georgia will deliver justice, unlike the state of Florida.
