D.A. Discusses Haddock Murder Case
A memorial at the Haddock home in 2007. Glenn M. Sides
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“These are my final thoughts on Emily's case now that it is all over … for whatever they're worth at this point,” Moore County District Attorney Maureen Krueger said late Friday afternoon.
Her thoughts followed the conviction in a two-week trial of Perry Schiro as accessory-after-the-fact to first-degree murder in the 2007 killing of Emily Haddock.
After three years struggling to balance five defendants’ varying and changing statements against what limited forensic evidence was available in this horrific violent crime, Krueger says she is finally able to look back and collect her thoughts.
“I am very satisfied with the jury's verdict in the Schiro case,” Krueger said. “The jury was very attentive, took lots of notes, and asked pertinent questions. It was evident that they took their obligation seriously, and they rendered a just verdict against Schiro.”
Haddock was home alone with strep throat when two men kicked in the back door to her house. Michael Currie shot her to death. He was arrested a few days later along with Sherrod Harrison, Ryan Jermar White, Van Roger Smith Jr. and Perry Ross Schiro.
Currie later admitted to being the shooter in a plea deal for life without parole. Separately, Harrison, White and Smith took guilty plea deals as accessories. Last month the Grand Jury indicted Schiro on the accessory charge.
His was the only indictment to reach a jury.
“The case against the defendants as a whole was very complicated, though,” the DA said. “Initially, defendants gave conflicting accounts of what happened and who was involved — including who was the person that actually murdered Emily.”
There was not enough evidence at hand to sort out the differing accounts.
“We couldn’t corroborate the statements with any of the forensic evidence and that presented huge evidentiary issues,” she said. “There were also some legal hurdles relating to joint trials and with the death penalty.”
The existence of alternative accounts among the several defendants could have led to many and lengthy appeals, with no end in sight for the Haddocks. At one point, Krueger worried any death sentence might string things out for decades — as she said it had in another case some years ago.
“In working with the Haddock family, we determined that our primary objective was to identify the individual responsible for Emily’s death and see to it that person would die in prison — either by lethal injection or old age,” Krueger said. “We achieved that goal in Michael Currie’s plea to first degree murder and his sentence of life without parole.”
That plea brought a strange twist to the Schiro trial. The actual killer took the stand. As he testified, mother and father, brother and other relatives sat in the courtroom listening to the man who murdered their 12-year-old tell how he did it.
“As part of that plea, he was required to admit that he actually killed Emily,” Krueger said. “The other co-defendants pled guilty and received prison sentences that were commensurate with their involvement in the case and the provable evidence we had against them.”
It wasn’t exactly what she’d have wanted to see happen in the course of justice.
“Personally, I would have liked to have tried Michael Currie for the death penalty, because I think that is what he deserves for what he did to Emily,” Krueger said. “However, my professional and ethical obligations to the Haddock family and the citizens of Moore County demanded that the cases resolve the way they did.”
Currie will die in prison for killing Emily Haddock.
“The Haddock family knows with certainty what happened to their daughter,” she said. “The other co-defendants are serving prison sentences. So, yes, I am satisfied that we achieved our objective with these cases.”
The day in court did not end in celebration, but it did end in a resolution — not a joyful, but an acceptable conclusion.
“Is it justice?” the DA asked. “Yes. … Is it perfect justice? No. That would mean the Haddock family would have Emily back, and that can never happen.”
After the trial Krueger handed back to Joy Haddock the photograph of her daughter she’d kept on her desk all these years.
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Comments
None 2 years, 4 months ago
A well placed bullet to the head for all five murders would have been a proper verdict and justice would have been served. They knew what they were doing was illegal and the "consequences"??? By getting a pass on murder, what will deter future criminals who rob, steal, and commit murder?
What will the cost be to taxpayers to provide 3 hots’ and a cot for the five murders? Millions!
It seems that North Carolina is more willing to provide long term care for murders than put them to sleep like the animals they are. The punishment should fit the crime…at least sometime in our lifetime.
None 2 years, 4 months ago
No, they aren't animals. That is an insult to the animal kingdom! Animals usually only kill to eat, protect themselves or their young or if they are rabid. There isn't a word harsh enough to describe murderers like this.
None 2 years, 4 months ago
Bocefus January 17, 2011 at 12:25 p.m. Nailed it!
OldSpook 2 years, 4 months ago
It's a shame that 5 killers/accessories have more rights than their defenseless 12 year old victim. Justice has not been served.
not2us 2 years, 4 months ago
My heart goes out to the Haddock family for having to live through this tragedy.
And I think that our DA did a good thing by honoring the family's wishes and accomplishing what was important to them during the investigation/trial.
kingelizabeth 2 years, 4 months ago
Perhaps if Kreuger thinks/believes "justice was served", she needs to be replaced. Bear with me as I don't have a college degree; but, it seems I recall hearing of a law, if anyone is convicted of a felony when a murder occurs, then they can be and SHOULD be (IMHO) charged with and CONVICTED (IMHO) of murder as well as the actual murderer. Well, was not the breaking and entering to rob a felony? sheesh!!!
It is totally ludicrous that a CHILD can be home sick and end up dead. NO PLEA DEALS SHOULD EVEN HAVE BEEN OFFERED IN THIS CASE!!!! Every one of them old enough to receive the death penalty, should have received it; and the ones not old enough should have received life WITHOUT parole EVER.
I, and I expect anybody with a BRAIN will have to agree with all of the above comments, even the TODA haters. Justice SHOULD deter crime, NOT encourage it.
I'll betcha if these murderers, robbers and rapists KNEW they were getting life without parole, if not death, instead of slaps on the wrist, for their crimes, there'd be a lot less crime in this country and especially Moore Co. Unfortunately, they know that justice is merely a game of chance and the odds of light sentences and plea offers are in their favor, it would seem. Such a pity.
None 2 years, 4 months ago
@kingElizabeth you are right justices haven't been serve because three of the boys that are in prison was not even there and played no part in this crime they are doing time only because they were of accuse of knowing what these two individual have done. Do you think if they were really there they wouldn't be in prison for life. They got a raw deal if you want my opinion. my heart goes out to the family of everyone involve. And all the above comments all i will say is i will pray for yall guys.
None 2 years, 4 months ago
you are the one who needs prayers
None 2 years, 4 months ago
I pray in church every Sunday...do you. Show me one passage in scripture where God accepts or condones murder or evil? Evil has no place in our world and people to proliferate the deeds of "evil doers" [GWB]. What our society does is to provide them with better living conditions than from whence they came, and have a registered dietician scribe menus that most on public assistance will never see. You need to pray for our sinful world and not for me. I can accomplish that on my own.
And they even get paid to work in the prison for their canteen supplies.
None 2 years, 4 months ago
Let me get hisright I hear a bunch of people that are probsbly white passing judgment like they are god. I don't condone what these young men did but not all pulled the trigger but they got time like they pulled the trigger. God is the final judge. Now the problem I have with moore county how they are gung ho on prosecuting a person of color and I know there are three unsolved murders that are now cold cases that happened to YOUTH of color in Moore county and no one sits on trial. Are their lives not just as important it appears not. One involves a cops cousin that hit a young man and kept going on 73 in west end even though the man passed from those injuries he did not serve any time for Hit and Run why is that? Something don't change here with you all if its a white kid they are animals if its a black kid nothing. Well our youth are equally as important no matter what they do. Because when you point the finger at the black youth and call them animals I can and know there are eually as many white youth doing far worse but it doesn't make the paper and they get a slap on their wrist in the criminal justice system
None 2 years, 4 months ago
The reason all of these guys got time is because they knew about a murder and didn't go to the cops. They could have done the right thing but they didn't. They deserve the time they got.
I don't think race has anything to do with that decision. I would have been equally pleased with the outcome of this case had the offenders been white, yellow, orange, purple, green, or blue.
Regardless of color...I am glad these criminals are off the street.
None 2 years, 4 months ago
I would like to know what it is that the "white man" could be doing that is worse than killing an innocent young girl while she is home alone. I can understand you being defensive for your race but you picked a low note to set as a platform for you cause.
None 2 years, 4 months ago
I stand behind Maureen 100%. I would rather the scum be in prison (all of them) than have the potential of some crafty defense lawyer get them off on technicalities. It's not the D.A's fault that our legal system is broken. She did the best she could with what she has to work with. If she felt sure she could have gotten the death penalty for Currie she would have worked endlessly to do so.
None 2 years, 4 months ago
Something is wrong with that picture. Why couldn't she get a conviction for the death penalty? I think the public should be given an explaination as to why she had to go with life.
None 2 years, 4 months ago
“We couldn’t corroborate the statements with any of the forensic evidence and that presented huge evidentiary issues,” she said. “There were also some legal hurdles relating to joint trials and with the death penalty.”
I know that you know how bass-akward our legal system is. Give a good defense attorney (or one trying to make a name for himself) half and inch of doubt and you can almost bet in this day and age the perpetrators end up on the winning end. You are insinuating that Maureen is shirking her responsibilities when I can gaurantee you that she fought for this child like Emily was her own. Would you rather these animals walked because of a technicality? Believe me, I'd rather they be shot on the courthouse steps just like Emily was and left to die like dogs but if there was just a slight chance that they could walk I'll take comfort in knowing that they (Currie especially) will never harm anyone again.
None 2 years, 4 months ago
I have said it before and I'll say it again ~ I have never seen an animal that needed to be killed...but there are humans who shouldn't be allowed to walk the face of the earth. For a man to shoot a 12 year old girl point blank in her own home does not deserve to live. I agree whole-heartily with Chuck Taylor.
“We couldn’t corroborate the statements with any of the forensic evidence and that presented huge evidentiary issues,” she said." The lack of evidentiary procedure begins and ends with the investigating officers under the supervision of Sheriff Lane Carter. Since the DA and the Sheriff are elected positions, one has to support the other – right or wrong. It appears that a breakdown in communication may be at the heart of the “We couldn’t…” statement. The courts are run by attorneys who care more about their paychecks than the rule of law…the problem with death penalties, attorneys take millions from taxpayers to move for one appeal after another ~ take a look at the David Junior Brown case and how long it took to put him to death…when there was absolutely no question that he murdered Diane and Christy! No one has broached my theory that the murders who killed Mr. Kelly will not receive the death
pinehurstmom 2 years, 4 months ago
While I agree that they should all have received the death penalty, I would not pretend to understand the case and the actual evidence available. I truly believe that the DA would have gone for the death penalty if she could and unfortunately life in prison was the best option. The Haddock family supported the decision and that is what matters.
None 2 years, 4 months ago
Evidence isn't evidence until it is presented in a court of law. The responsibility of the Sheriff's Department is to legally obtain credible evidence. If that's not the case, then the public should have an accounting from Sheriff Lane Carter as to any shortcomings of his department and staff.
Now that Moore County District Attorney Maureen Krueger has side stepped a conviction on murder charges that carry the death penalty, would anyone like to venture the outcome of the trial of the murders that shot Mrs. Kelly and killed Mr. Kelly in the commission of an armed robbery attempt?
Perhaps ~ since Mr. Kelly was a senior in our community (as opposed to a young child of 12 years), Moore County District Attorney Maureen Krueger can side step the death penalty on that one as well.
Let us not forget but be reminded that there have been more armed robberies in Moore County in the last couple months...another group who might be intimidated by the possibility of having to forfeit their lives should another senseless murder occur in Moore County? Once a convicted felon is proven guilty beyond any reasonable doubt, they should be taken to Central Prison in Raleigh and put to sleep. The triggerman in this case should not live to take another breath on this earth and should have been disposed of like he dispatched little Emily.
None 2 years, 4 months ago
Theere you go trying to play God sit down and let God be God and you just pray. You are probably the type that like society the way it used to be as well. I feel sorry for you.
None 2 years, 4 months ago
You might want to put me on your prayer list too please. I can understand your views on perceived race inequities but regardless of race, these thugs and their kind need to be destroyed. I will gladly buy the rope or bullet for any animal that attacks an innocent child regardless of the child’s race or religion. Bottom line for me is society must protect their young if we are to expect a better future.
pinehurstmom 2 years, 4 months ago
Is that Chuck Taylor or Chuck Norris?? Either way, I completely agree. Don't mess with my family!
None 2 years, 4 months ago
Having known Emily, I can say that I'm rather upset that the one, who did not spare her life, was able to live. As to the others, they did not go to the police, they did not try to set things right, so I see them just as guilty as the one who shot.
As to others, who will invoke God to make a statement of how I should not come to such a conclusion, these people are the ones who are willing to use God's name whenever it benefits them. Our justice system was created to be one separate from the church and thus invoking God's name is rather unnecessary seeing as that is not the judge in the courtroom. And lastly, to any who are going to rant about racism here. Please educate yourself and quite trying to further your own agenda over a dead girl, its rather demeaning toward your intellectual credibility and your understanding.
I can only hope that the Haddock family has proper closure now.
None 2 years, 4 months ago
you still can't respond to the statement can we get that same kind of fire when one of our youth is killed
None 2 years, 4 months ago
I didn't respond to your example because you are simply trying to derail the subject. Is what happened to the people you are talking about right? No. (though I am quite unsure of its reality if your refering to something that occurred in the last 10 years). Should it be reinvestigated? Yes.
Now, unless you want to be viewed as a bigot or a racist, I'd reconsider what you mean by "our youth".
None 2 years, 4 months ago
our youth meaning children of color who deal with the same thing daily. I knew emily hadock she was in my daughters class. So i feel sorry for her family but there are three other families that have experienced this same kind of loss and they can't put any closure on it because there is no man power for children of color. And yes it happened in 2007 and 2008 and no trial and no one arrested Moore County is falling off and I see who gets justice and who doesn't.
None 2 years, 4 months ago
@nbmoore So it comes out. The obvious Victimhood that you portray is rather sickening and a sign of what is wrong with this country. You are a racist and a bigot who is quite giddy to play the race card. You're not mad that these people got convicted because of a crime, you're mad because they're black and they're not being given a lighter sentence because of their race. Get over your ignorant ways and come to the 21st Century, please.
What were the names of these people who have not gotten a trial? Was there evidence beyond a reasonable doubt? Seeing at how frequently racism is claimed for injustice, I fail to see how such cases would have slipped under the radar without reason.
lady2010 2 years, 4 months ago
These are racism comments because last time i check animals have four legs and no one we spoke of have four legs. And yes the two boys that was involved was wrong and deserve to be punish be the other three just because they were aware of what happen has bad of a crime it was they are not and should not be legal responsible of turning this in. If they wouldnt have took a plea bargain and went to trial a jury which would have been made up of me and yall. And they would have walked. Just think about that. And am not on here with a agenda . Right is right and all i can say am glad that The United States is a free country. Because yall racism pigs would have yall day.
lady2010 2 years, 4 months ago
No i didnt say i would ensure they walked . The point I was making was that three of the young men that were sentence was not there at all .Not inside the house or outside the house . No were near. And if it would have went to the jury they would have been found not guilty. Thats what i said!! And that is the facts
pinehurstmom 2 years, 4 months ago
Third definition of animal from the dictionary: a human being considered nonrational;
Sounds like it fits to me!
...and give it up with the racial stuff. We are all upset by the crime and no one mentioned the race of the criminals until nbmoore started whining. Killers are killers-black or white!
Sopinesman 2 years, 4 months ago
Thank you!
lady2010 2 years, 4 months ago
I didn't address your statement that i was an "impersonator " because I know what i am and am not a teenager. You aren't god because he is the one and only judge that should be able to take someones life. I just hope none of your children commit a crime. Then y'all children will be animal's that they can't wait to be put to rest. NO SHOULD TAKE A LIFE!!! like i stated before which i see no one reply three of those young men had nothing to do with the robbery or murder!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
kingelizabeth 2 years, 4 months ago
@nbmoore & lady2010: You should be ashamed to try to make this racist! If you're not a teenage impostor as James suggested, I would expect you're a mother, sister, aunt or grandmother to one of these hoodlums. Yep, they were all choir boys, I checked the NC DOC site about them, including their infractions since being incarcerated.
I wouldn't care if this pack were purple polka-dotted, they committed a horrendous crime. Whether their participation was before, during or after the murder, they all had a hand in it.
Yes, I am White and I'm married to a fine Black man for going on 25 years. He, along with alot of prayer from my Mother and family was a big factor in my sobriety and my living the life with the moral values with which I was raised.
For whatever reason, maybe you can explain it, it does seem that so many of today's criminal youth has a herd instinct.
The 3 "murders" you mentioned are not the only cold cases in Moore Co. There is Mary McCrae, whose murder case is so cold it's almost frozen, and FYI, she was White.
The thing I'm trying to say, is when young folks do well, praise them, whatever their race. And when they act like hoodlums, don't try to play the race card and defend them simply because they're black. If a herd of White kids had murdered this poor child I would have liked to seen them all punished to the maximum the law allowed.
If my understanding is correct, accessory after the fact, means they had knowledge or some type of involvement after the crime was committed. If they weren't guilty, as you suggest, WHY did they take plea bargains in such a serious case, or in any case? Would you, if you were innocent? I wouldn't. Could it possibly be, because they KNEW they WERE guilty and if it went to trial they KNEW they would get more than the slap on the wrist they got. Is common sense totally dead nowadays???
As for the families of the hoodlums, well I don't feel too sorry for you guys, because you can go visit your loved one every visiting day and talk to them on the phone on a regular basis. You go to bed at night, knowing they are warm, well fed, being kept healthy and have many more entertainment activities than they deserve.
Whether the Haddock family is truly satisfied with all the legal mumbo-jumbo from this ordeal, only they know. They may possibly have been in agreement, because they were told it was what they were getting, I don't know, just stating opinions on that one. I do know my heart goes out to that family for their loss.
None 2 years, 4 months ago
I have said it before and I'll say it again ~ I have never seen an animal that needed to be killed...but there are humans who shouldn't be allowed to walk the face of the earth. For a man to shot a 12 year old girl point blank in her own home does not deserve to live. I agree whole-heartily with Chuck Taylor.
“We couldn’t corroborate the statements with any of the forensic evidence and that presented huge evidentiary issues,” she said." The lack of evidentiary procedure begins and ends with the investigating officers under the supervision of Sheriff Lane Carter. Since the DA and the Sheriff are elected positions, one has to support the other – right or wrong. It appears that a breakdown in communication may be at the heart of the “We couldn’t…” statement. The courts are run by attorneys who care more about their paychecks than the rule of law…the problem with death penalties, attorneys take millions from taxpayers to move for one appeal after another ~ take a look at the David Junior Brown case and how long it took to put him to death…when there was absolutely no question that he murdered Diane and Christy! No one has broached my theory that the murders who killed Mr. Kelly will not receive the death penalty….any takers?
pinewoodnc 2 years, 4 months ago
I wish folks would stop calling these murderers animals. That is an insult to the animal kingdom.
These people are just evil incarnate. They just want what they want and will stop at nothing to get it. They have no value for human life nor any empathy. They will exist at the public's expense and offer nothing to society.
I believe the judicial system in this country only protects the criminals and "their" rights and to hell with the victims. I really find it repugnant that on occasions defendants are offered plea agreements for lesser charges and sentences. They should pay the maximum penalty applicable to the crime committed.
pinewoodnc 2 years, 4 months ago
James, I am definitely NOT naive. I worked in the legal system (also assisting a DA) for years and I know how the legal system works. The system has always been more concerned and bent over backwards with protecting the criminals and less being concerned with the victims.