Judge Rules on Motions in Illegal Gambling Operation Trial Against Brett Parker
The man who received life in prison for the double homicide of his wife and best friend/business partner appeared in court again for federal charges related to his illegal gambling operation, which he allegedly ran with his father.
Several motions have been filed in the federal illegal gambling operation case against Brett Parker and his father, Jack. On Thursday, August 8th, Judge Cameron Currie ruled on several of them.
Defense attorneys filed a motion that evidence from Brett Parker’s double murder trial not be used in the federal illegal gambling case, and Judge Currie agreed to certain conditions. The evidence from the murder trial would have simply shown why Tammy Jo Parker and Bryan Capnerhurst were listed as defendants in the case, but defense attorneys claimed it would bias the court against Brett Parker.
However, some evidence related to the murder trial might be pertinent in the illegal gambling case. According to prosecutor Winston Holliday, evidence for the illegal gambling operation came to light during the murder investigation in 2012. Parker owed Capnerhurst $20,000, which was illegal gambling money, and also a motive for Capnerhurst’s murder. Additionally, the focus of the prosecution’s argument is the 2012 basketball season, during which Jack Parker and associate Douglas Taylor did not take bets; instead, they rolled the bets over to Brett Parker’s and Bryan Capnerhurst’s operation.
Judge Currie ruled that during the federal illegal gambling trial, attorneys must explain that Capnerhurst and Tammy Parker are not present because they are deceased, but they cannot say “murder victims.” Witnesses in the case can only say that they were in the house in response to a 911 call, without elaborating on that call’s relation to the murder investigation.
“The ruling wasn’t really a surprise, but we got a lot out of it,” Holliday said. “All of the stipulations were very good for our case, and I think we’ll streamline the trial. So that was a very nice ruling for us there. I thought that their response also showed us a lot of how they are going to defend the case, so all-in-all, it was a very good day for us.”
Judge Currie also allowed that computer information, as well as Tammy Parker’s budgeting notes, could be released until the trial begins and more information can be used in court.
After the rulings, Brett and Jack Parker were allowed 5 minutes to discuss whether or not they wanted to enter a plea on the federal illegal gambling charge. The father and son were not allowed to see each other at the Perry Correctional Institution because they are codefendants. They have until Monday afternoon to make a decision, then attend a hearing on Wednesday regarding their final decision.
Jury selection is scheduled for August 22nd, with the trial starting in September.
The Strom Law Firm Defends Against State and Federal Criminal Charges, Including Illegal Gambling Rings
Our firm was founded by Pete Strom, the former US Attorney for the District of South Carolina. He, along with his team of attorneys, will zealously represent you in any state or federal court in South Carolina against criminal charges, including illegal gambling. Don’t miss out on your one opportunity to protect your rights and maintain your freedom. The attorneys at the Strom Law Firm have over 30 years of experience collectively. We offer free, confidential consultations. Do not hesitate to contact us to discuss the facts of your case. 803.252.4800
