Smiths’ Family Murder Case Goes to Jury Trial
The Judge of Mtskheta District Court announced on Thursday that the criminal case of Malkhaz Kobauri, the 19-year-old Shepherd who stands accused of killing an American family in Khada Gorge, Georgia, will go to jury trial.
The Judge explained that it was demanded by Kobauri that his case be considered by a jury.
“The defense filed a motion on the suspension of criminal prosecution against Kobauri, but we could not hear any factual or legal arguments," the judge said.
The selection of the jury will take place in Gori Regional Court on December 3 at 12:00.
Kobauri has been charged under Article 109, paragraph I, II,III, (involving murder in aggravating circumstances), and Article 137, paragraph I (involving rape, or sexual intercourse by use of violence, threat of violence or abusing the victim's helpless condition) of the criminal code of Georgia. He is accused of killing Ryan and Lora Smith, their 4-year-old child Caleb and also of raping Lora Smith.
If proven guilty, he faces up to 20 years in prison or life imprisonment.
Prosecutor David Kazarashvili says the statements of the defense that Malkhaz Kobauri is innocent is not true. According to him, the claims of Kobauri’s lawyers that he cannot have sex is a lie, noting his sperm was found in the body of the victim and also on the underwear of the woman and Kobauri.
“The investigation found that before the incident, Malkhaz Kobauri had been visiting pornographic websites, which underlines his interest in this regard,” the prosecutor stated.
The Smith family lived in the town of Marneuli, south of Tbilisi, for seven years and were well-respected members of the local and expat community.
By Thea Morrison
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