Wells' attorney predicts murder conviction from 'gut' feeling

Posted at: 03/20/2013 6:21 PM
Updated at: 03/20/2013 6:25 PM
By: Beth Wurtmann

SCHENECTADY -  There was no verdict on the second day of jury deliberations in the murder trial of James Wells.

He is charged with the shooting death of 15-year-old Eddie Stanley of Schenectady.

In a new development, the defense attorney said she now has a "gut feeling" that Wells will be found guilty of murder.

The 33-year-old Brooklyn man is charged with gunning down Schenectady High School student and basketball player Eddie Stanley, 15, at a house party in June 2011.

Prosecutors said Wells fired the shots in a fit of rage over missing keys to a rental car.

Wells admitted that he was a Bloods gang member and drug dealer.  He testified on the witness stand that at the party, he pulled out a .357 caliber handgun when shots rang out but didn't fire.

He denied shooting the murder weapon, a 44 caliber revolver.

On Wednesday, after the jury asked for some clarifications of the charges, Stanley's family members expressed hope for a guilty verdict.

"I miss my little cousin dearly, it's been a while since I've seen him. I feel like this has been a senseless crime, absolutely for no reason," said Charmain Talbert, Stanley's cousin. "I'm feeling overwhelmed, I'm excited, I'm anxious, I'm ready for the verdict and I just would like to celebrate, and let him rest in peace."

Well's attorney predicted a murder conviction, siting her own instincts.

"All I can base my reaction is a gut feeling. And my gut at this point in time tells me that my client's in trouble," said Cheryl Coleman, defense attorney.

Wells has admitted a number of the 11 crimes he's been charged with, including criminal possession of a weapon.

The jury resumes deliberations on Thursday morning.