Trial Begins For Woman Accused Of Killing Her Mother

Testimony began Tuesday in the case of a woman accused of stabbing her mother to death and lighting the body on fire in Madison. Kim McLaughlin faces murder and arson charges in the death of her mother, Shirley Robuck, 73. Prosecutors told the jury Tuesday that Robuck was stabbed repeatedly and her body set on fire. Robuck was found dead in September of 2009 at her home. A neighbor testified she saw McLaughlin coming out of the woods near the home covered in blood. McLaughlin has pleaded not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect. Monday, during jury selection, Madison County Circuit Judge Ruth Ann Hall issued a warning to McLaughlin. After an incident last week when McLaughlin reportedly stood up and tried talking to a witness, Judge Hall told the defendant if she tries to speak to anyone in the courtroom during this trial besides her defense team, she will be put into a shock belt by court security. Tuesday the judge reminded the defense team after the defendant allegedly made some gestures towards the jury during testimony. The defense team says McLaughlin, 51, is mentally unfit to stand trial. McLaughlin’s defense team has previously argued their client did not understand the court proceedings due to mental defect. However, after expert testimony, the judge ruled McLaughlin was in fact competent to stand trial. The judge has also ordered both sides not to discuss possible outcomes for sentencing during the trial with the jury. The trial will continue Wednesday at the Madison County Courthouse

2nd Day on the Job, Already LIVE

Monday was  my second day on the job at whnt news 19 and already going LIVE with the top story at 5:00   We will be following this murder trial throughout the week. www.whnt.com

"Facebook Official"

I now have an official news personality Facebook page up and running! Please LIKE it to keep posted on what is going on in the news here in northern Alabama and around the country. Thanks for all the support thus far. My first day on the job at WHNT News 19 went great lots of Lottery madness to cover! Stay Tuned for stories coming soon...

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--Matt

Sweet Home Alabama

I made it to Huntsville, Alabama! I'm all moved in to my new place, now relaxing before I start work tomorrow at WHNT TV.

The adventure begins...

leaving the mountains, heading southeast....see you in Alabama!  www.whnt.com

Farewell Grand Junction Thanks For The Memories

Tonight was my last broadcast on the air with NewsChannel 5 in Grand Junction. I get to work in Huntsville, Alabama with WHNT News 19 starting next month! Continue to follow this blog to get news you can use and stories about people who have stories that need to be told. I will continue to work hard everyday as I move onto a new challenge and adventure in the south. Stay Tuned! --Matt Kroschel

My new station:
www.whnt.com
 

BLM holds public open house about oil shale

I am in Silt, Colorado where the bureau of land management is holding a public open house to discuss the possibilities of future development of oil shale in the west. www.krextv.com