Judge caught texting during murder trial, implying victim’s mother as potential killer.
Oklahoma Judge Faces Removal from Bench for Texting During Murder Trial
An Oklahoma judge is facing a formal attempt to remove her from the bench after she was caught texting during the trial of a man accused of murdering a 2-year-old boy. Lincoln County District Judge Traci Soderstrom was found to have sent 500 texts to her bailiff during the trial of Khristian Martzall, who allegedly beat to death 2-year-old Braxton Danker.
“Can I please scream ‘liar, liar?’” Soderstrom texted as Judith testified for the prosecution.
“State just couldn’t accept that a mom could kill their kid, so they went after the next person available,” she also texted.
The texts, including derogatory remarks about Danker’s mother, were discovered in a report from Oklahoma’s Council on Judicial Complaints, which investigated Soderstrom. The chief justice of the Oklahoma Supreme Court has recommended her removal from the bench due to the complaint board’s findings. Soderstrom has only been a judge since January.
Soderstrom has accepted a temporary suspension, according to the American Bar Association Journal. She admitted that her texting “probably could have waited.”
Pattern of Misconduct
Chief Justice John Kane IV, in his recommendation to remove Soderstrom from the bench, stated that her “pattern of conduct demonstrates gross neglect of duty, gross partiality, and a lack of temperament to serve as a judge.” Kane also noted that the text messages gave the appearance that Soderstrom believed the defendant was innocent and wanted a particular outcome in the case.
The complaint against Soderstrom also included other offenses, such as asking male lawyers to sit in hot pink chairs in her chambers so she could photograph them, making inappropriate comments on Facebook, screaming at a court services coordinator, and making misleading statements to the council.
During the murder trial, Soderstrom made inappropriate remarks, asking about a juror’s wig, commenting on a witness’s teeth, and calling a police officer who testified “pretty.”
“I could look at him all day,” she texted.
Soderstrom also criticized District Attorney Adam Panter in the text messages, mocking his appearance and questioning his abilities.
In contrast, she praised the defense attorney and expressed a desire to applaud her in court.
Khristian Martzall was ultimately convicted of murdering the young boy and sentenced to four years with credit for time served. Judith Danker, the boy’s mother, pleaded guilty to enabling child abuse and received a 25-year prison sentence.
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In what ways does Soderstrom’s texting and derogatory remarks undermine the integrity and neutrality of the trial?
Trom’s inappropriate behavior during the murder trial raises serious concerns about her ability to fulfill her duties as a judge. It is crucial that judges remain impartial and maintain a professional demeanor in the courtroom, as their actions and words have a direct impact on the administration of justice.
The fact that Soderstrom was texting during a critical moment in the trial, where the prosecution was presenting its case, demonstrates a lack of respect for the judicial process. Her comments, including the derogatory remarks about Danker’s mother, further undermine the integrity of the trial and call into question her neutrality.
Texting during a trial is not only disrespectful to the court and the parties involved but also opens the door to potential bias and prejudice. Judges must uphold the principles of fairness and due process, ensuring that all parties are given a fair and objective trial. Soderstrom’s actions, however, suggest a personal bias that compromises the fairness of the proceedings.
The recommendation for Soderstrom’s removal from the bench by the chief justice of the Oklahoma Supreme Court is a necessary step towards restoring public faith in the judicial system. Judges must be held to the highest standards of ethics and professionalism, and any breach of these standards should be met with appropriate consequences.
Furthermore, Soderstrom’s short tenure as a judge raises concerns about her overall suitability for the role. A judge’s role is of utmost importance in maintaining justice and upholding the law. The incident involving Soderstrom raises questions about her ability to uphold these responsibilities and carry out her duties with the necessary impartiality and fairness.
It is essential that the judicial system remains free from any personal biases or influences. The public must have confidence that judges are acting in their best interest and providing fair and just rulings. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of judicial accountability and the need to hold judges to the highest standards of conduct.
In conclusion, the texting incident involving Judge Traci Soderstrom during a murder trial is a serious breach of judicial conduct. Her derogatory remarks and lack of professionalism cast doubt on her ability to fulfill her duties as a judge. The recommendation for her removal from the bench by the chief justice of the Oklahoma Supreme Court is a necessary step in upholding the integrity of the judicial system. It is vital that judges be held accountable for their actions and maintain the highest standards of ethics and professionalism in their role as guardians of justice.
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