Clark County NV Archives Obituaries.....Chaffie, Kevin Wayne April 24, 1972
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Gerry Perry missgerry@cox.net January 27, 2013, 7:37 pm

Las Vegas Sun, 5/12/1972
ALLEGED BRUTAL KILLING OF TOT

The Clark County Public Defenders office sought total privacy yesterday and 
got it, thanks to Justice of the Peace James Santini who ordered his courtroom 
cleared of press and spectators for the preliminary hearing of an unwed couple 
charged with the brutal killing of a four-yar old toddler.

John R. Hensler and Jeanne M. Archie faced homicide charges in connection with 
the April 24 death of Mrs. Archie's son, Kevin Wayne Chaffie.

At their preliminary hearing to determine whether they should be bound over to 
district court for trial, Jeff Sobel of the Public Defenders office moved the 
courtroom be cleared of all persons save the defendants, council and officers 
of the court.

In addition to reporters, Sobel's motion also covered a fellow member of the 
Public Defenders office who was present as an observer.

Under a little used Nevada law, the decision to completely clear a courtroom 
is left to the discretion of the presiding judge.

In yesterday's action, Judge Santini-who is about to be elevated to the 
district bench-chose to remove press and spectators.

It was known that the defense representative also planned to seek dismissal of 
the charges against the couple.  He declined to discuss the grounds or any of 
his plans for defense with reporters prior to the hearing.  It was learned his 
motion for dismissal was denied.

Young Kevin was pronounced dead at a Pittman motel after the couple had 
reported he was ill and called for an ambulance.

An autopsy subsequently determined the youth died as the result of severe 
blows to the head and body.

At a late hour yesterday the star-chamber hearing was still in session.

A bailiff told the SUN that Judge Santini probably would be available at the 
hearing conclusion to "tell the press what he (the judge) thinks you ought to 
know." 


Additional Comments:
The information provided for publication was provided by an outside source and 
is not proven to be correct


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