Accused killer Teresa Mangham Burousas made an appearance in Pike County superior court Tuesday.
Burousas was scheduled to be arraigned but mumbled she had no plea when questioned by Judge Christopher Edwards. The judge then entered directed pleas of not guilty for her on counts of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during commission of a felony.
Teresa Burousas is led into court Feb. 9. She appeared in a jail-issue, striped jumpsuit and was chained at her wrists and ankles. (Photo: Walter Geiger).
She needs to stand trial like everyone else and either prove her innocents or serve her sentence.
I don't know where you went to school, but EVEN in Pike County, the children were taught government classes! They were taught the judicial system and how it works. WHERE do you get your information that 25% of Pike County are uneducated, Rambo? I took the census in this county and the census did not reflect that.
Do you need a Bachelor's degree to hear a jury trial and decide if a person is guilty or innocent by the preponderance of the evidence? The facts will be presented in a trial. Based upon the facts, anyone should be able to make a decision of guilty or innocent, if they pay attention. You don't have to have a college degree. You need to have common sense and a set of moral guidelines! If someone goes into a courtroom with their mind made up before they hear a case, they should not be sitting on the jury! THEREIN, lies your problem! The problem is with HONESTY, not with a college degree!! I believe you that you can find 12 honest people in Pike County to hear this trial, or any other trial.
I don't often comment on this website, because the problem with the people who comment here is that the substance of the comments are more gossip than fact! Perhaps, that is why you think you could not get a fair trial in Pike County. You must believe that the people represented in these posts represent the majority of Pike County residents. I submit to you that they don't represent most Pike County citizens. Many of the people represented on this sight are gossips, with hateful opinions about people. It is a sad, misrepresentation of the citizens in Pike County! The people who would be seated on a jury trial are, most often than not, hard working, caring, individuals who have better things to do than trash their neighbors!
I did NOT say a fair trial was impossible, the people posting here represented all of Pike, or a college degree was necessary to serve on a jury.
The standard of proof used in a criminal trial is not a preponderance of the evidence (that is used in a civil trial). The legal standard in criminal court is beyond a reasonable doubt. A defendant's right to receive a fair trial is one of the basic foundations of the U.S. Constitution. Whether or not a trial is fair is determined by many factors. When selecting a jury, attorneys and judges ask potential jurors about their education level, background, and information they have heard or read about the case. If these things were not relevant, there would be no need to explore them during voir dire.
and Tiggy's "I am concerned about Pike Countians and their ignorance of the legal system".
Most of the people of Pike are not posting here, and most of the ones that do post here, myself included, would be willing and are intelligent enough to listen to the facts and either find her guilty or not guilty based on those facts.
Please don't judge MOST of us by a few of us. Or in this case, a couple.
My intent was not to offend or judge the people of Pike County. I was merely suggesting that Pike's residents are being too quick to form opinions without being aware of all the facts and circumstances surrounding the case. I agree that there are capable, intelligent, and objective citizens in Pike. With that said, my own opinion about the people in Pike is not only based on the posts found here (and in the numerous other articles about Teresa's case), but also from my personal experience living there. 25% of Pike's residents do not have a high school education. Only 14% have a Bachelor's degree. While lack of education does not make a person unintelligent, it does make them ignorant of many things (legal system included). I do not say that to be condescending/judgmental/etc., but it is relevant when you consider that these are the same people who will determine one's guilt or innocence. Furthermore, the media coverage and small town gossiping that has gone on since this case began adds to the likelihood that the potential jurors will be biased.
On the other hand, an education in the legal field does not mean you have enough common sense to see what's in front of you.
I'm not a doctor, but I know when I have a cold. It's called common sense. Which most "under educated" people in Pike County have.
She confessed to the crime and while confession does not mean you are guilty, it is a pretty good indicator.
He was gifted the Pollcat by Mr. Lloyd a true leader who JC thinks he is on the same level. His greatest excitement in life is his delete button, his T button. He takes pot shots at Walter and is a wanna b.
I hope I have answered your question.