Court Instructions to the Jury
Source: Into the Weeds Podcast
This document can be summarized by its key components:
Jury Instructions (July 1987): A significant portion of the file contains the formal instructions given by Judge Jack Brock to the jury. These establish the legal framework for the trial, defining First Degree Murder, the elements of Kidnapping, and the meaning of "malice aforethought". They also outline fundamental legal principles, such as the presumption of innocence, the state's burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and the jury's responsibility to weigh the credibility of witnesses.
Investigative Affidavits and Crime Scene Narrative: The document includes detailed "Attachments" that serve as a narrative of the investigation. Attachment "C" describes the discovery of the body of 10-year-old Athena Hogan on October 1, 1986, and the subsequent autopsy that confirmed she died of asphyxiation caused by a cloth stuffed in her mouth. It also details how detectives used forensic fiber evidence—specifically unique carpet fibers found on the victim's clothing that matched carpet in Templeton’s home—to establish probable cause for his arrest.
Warrants and Confiscated Property: The file contains the original search warrants for Templeton’s residence and person, along with a "Return" listing items seized by the Lawton Police Department. Confiscated items included varied tools, clothing, and vacuum sweepings used for forensic analysis.
Charging and Sentencing Documents: It includes the formal Complaint and Information charging Templeton with murder and a "Bill of Particulars" filed by the District Attorney seeking the death penalty, citing the murder as "especially heinous, atrocious and cruel"
