Nine strikes, but not out

Thursday, November 2, 2006

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Click on the graphic for a larger photo of Oscar Ray Bolin . . .

Oscar Ray Bolin is on trial for murder in Tampa again.

Bolin's already been convicted and sentenced to death twice for murdering Stephanie Collins in 1986, but those convictions were overturned.

"It's been very emotional this morning, more so than I thought it would be," Collins' mother, Donna Witmer, said Tuesday. "You'd think after 20 years you'd be able to accept it better."

Altogether, it's the ninth murder trial for Bolin, who's also been convicted of murdering two other women. Bolin also had three trials in each of those cases.

In the current trial, video testimony from Bolin's first wife, who is deceased, is being used. She said she was with Bolin when he dropped off Collins' body.

Bolin's wife, Rosalie, said the current case may free her husband of his other convictions.

"If he's exonerated, perhaps when another appellate panel is looking at

. . . or the woman he's accused of murdering, Stephanie Collins.

the case, they'll say, 'Whoops, this is not right,' " she said.

But Witmer said he'll be convicted again and her next step toward healing will be the day Bolin is executed.

"I just don't want to deal with him anymore," Witmer said. "I don't want to see him. I don't want to deal with his existence and once he's gone that will be it for me."

The trial is expected to last until Thursday.

Taxpayers pick up the cost

Although Bolin's ninth murder trial is costly for taxpayers, Stetson law professor Nick Cox said the constitution does not limit the number of trials.

"It's difficult for taxpayers to understand why we have to try somebody seven, eight, nine times," Cox said. "That's the nature of the system, the nature of our constitution. It says we have individual protection that applies to all of us, including Oscar Ray Bolin."

Bolin's wife said he is suffering from skin cancer and he will undergo treatment after the trial. Taxpayers will cover the cost of treatment.