Nancy Seaman, Teacher Convicted of Murdering Husband, May Get New Trial

[The Streets Don't Love You Back]

Nancy Seaman, Teacher Convicted of Murdering Husband, May Get New Trial

Updated: Thursday, 04 Nov 2010, 7:29 PM EDT
Published : Thursday, 04 Nov 2010, 7:29 PM EDT

By BILL GALLAGHER
WJBK | myFOXDetroit.com

DETROIT - Nancy Seaman was convicted of first-degree murder for the ax slaying of her husband on Mother's Day 2004.

Seaman, a former Farmington Hills elementary school teacher, insisted she was a battered wife.

A federal judge ruled that Seaman should have a new trial because a defense expert's testimony on Battered Wife Syndrome was limited, and she was not allowed to interview Seaman.

"I think he found that the Battered Spouse Syndrome defense was not properly presented. The jury didn't have the ability to properly consider that defense and reach an appropriate verdict with that," said Richard Ginsberg, Nancy Seaman's attorney.

"This is really a self-defense case, but the only way you get that testimony in is from your expert. So, if the trial judge makes the wrong decision, challenge the trial judge. The defense attorney didn't do it. Bottom line, a new trial is needed," said FOX 2 Legal Analyst Charlie Langton.

The federal judge ruled that Seaman's trial lawyer, Larry Kaluzny, should have challenged the judge's limitation on testimony.

"The trial judge made what I think is an erroneous ruling regarding the scope of expert testimony that would be allowed, and defense counsel did not aggressively challenge that ruling and make an effort to present that evidence," Ginsberg said.

Seaman's defense attorney did not immediately return calls for comment.

The state attorney general is appealing the ruling for a new trial.

"When you're talking about a murder, life in prison, the jury must be given every single bit of evidence. The jury wasn't. New trial is the right move," Langton said.

[The Streets Don't Love You Back]

yes we just recieved and letter today from her we must all be a loud voice against this abuse toward our women and kids

[Cynthia Metcalf Miller]

Yes, I am glad she is getting a new trial. This is clearly a woman trying to save her own life people