Talk:Murder of Terry King

Cause of death
Is "patricide" really a cause of death? He didn't die of patricide, he was beaten to death. Patricide describes the circumstances of the murder, not the method. 206.186.240.194 (talk) 15:29, 6 May 2009 (UTC)


 * Yes, you are correct. In this case, the  manner of death  is homicide (specifically, murder) ... and patricide is merely a specific form of homicide (i.e., homicide committed by a child or children against a father).  The  cause of death  would typically be something like gunshot, drowning, poisoning, or such ... in this case, specifically, the bludgeoning and beating.  So, in a nut shell, for this case ... manner of death = homicide, specifically, patricide ... and cause of death = assault / beating / bludgeoning.  I will correct the information listed in the info-box.  Thanks.   (Joseph A. Spadaro, 8 September 2009)

Recanting after plea of November 2002
Since Derek and Alex pleaded guilty in November 2002, have they recanted -- specifically denying they killed their father? This isn't mentioned in the article and perhaps someone more familiar with the case knows definitely and could add it to the article. It seems inconsistent that third parties insist on their innocence while they themselves do not. patsw (talk) 16:12, 8 September 2009 (UTC)


 * You make a good point. But, I would reply thusly.  Their stories have changed several times, variously admitting and denying that they killed their father.  Ultimately, they accepted a plea bargain after a judge threw out their conviction by a jury (because the adult involved, Ricky Chavis, was acquitted by a separate jury in a separate trial).  It is not particularly inconsistent to "plead guilty" in a plea bargain (to get a reduced sentence) and subsequently claim innocence.  Thanks.  (Joseph A. Spadaro, 8 September 2009)


 * I could understand if they subsequently claimed innocence but that wasn't my question. The basis for the inconsistency is the apparent lack of such a claim.  I also acknowledge that there's no obligation for Derek or Alex ever to speak publicly on the matter.  Another way of expressing my question: "Since they admitted guilt on November 2002, has either or both of them made a public statement which affirms or denies that admission of murder?" patsw (talk) 18:24, 8 September 2009 (UTC)