VanHouten Under Suicide Watch
By: Import User
Updated: January 7, 2009
A Four State man accused of murder is placed under suicide watch. Funeral services were held for 74 year old Margaret Barrett this morning in her hometown of Columbus Kansas while the two men accused of her murder remain in custody in Cherokee County. The consensus among those we spoke with today remains that of shock and sadness over the death of Margaret Barrett. But comments made in the courtroom by James VanHouten have put the Cherokee County Sheriff`s Department on alert. While entering the courtroom yesterday, VanHouten addressed the media saying, "I`m going to plead guilty". He then told Judge Bill Lyerla he wanted to plead guilty and he wanted the death penalty. Due to VanHouten`s history while in custody of Cherokee County, Sheriff Creech thought placing this suspect under "suicide watch" to be the best course of action. Sheriff Creech says VanHouten`s comments in the courtroom did not contribute to the decision for placing him under watch. Sheriff Creech says VanHouten will remain under observation for his duration at the jail.
