N.J. Man Loses Appeal in 2008 Murder of Girlfriend, Her Parents

A New Jersey state appeals court has upheld the conviction of a man serving 37-years in prison after stabbing and killing his girlfriend and her parents in their home in 2008.

Rakeem Gartrell, 29, argued he suffered from mental illnesses at the time in which he gave a statement to police and claimed he received ineffective legal assistance after his attorney failed to try to suppress his statement, according to NJ.com.

Gartrell’s appeal was denied by the state appellate panel, noting that he changed his blood-stained clothing, went to his uncle’s house and eventually turned himself into police, NJ.com said. The decision rendered by the appellate panel states that Gartrell’s actions “demonstrated that he was capable of acting knowingly and voluntarily.”

Additionally, the appellate panel affirmed the 2013 ruling by Superior Court Judge Peter Vazquez denying Gartrell post-conviction relief, NJ.com said.

On Aug. 5, 2010, Gartrell pleaded guilty to the murder of his girlfriend Latoya Thomas, 22, and her parents, Leroy Cooper, 66, and Elsie Thomas, 60, on Feb. 13, 2008, NJ.com reported in 2010. He was sentenced to a 37-year prison sentence and will not be eligible for parole before serving 85 percent of his term, roughly 31 years.

Gartrell’s appeal said his attorney should have moved to suppress his statement to police because he was suffering from mental illnesses and was under the influence of drugs and alcohol at the time, NJ.com said. Furthermore, his appeal claimed the attorney failed to pursue a diminished capacity defense.

The appellate panel said Gartrell provided no expert testimony that he suffered from diminished capacity, denying any possibility for such a defense and rejecting his appeal, NJ.com reported. The panel supported Vazquez’s 2013 decision, citing Gartrell’s “statements to police were clear and concise,” and also noted that his behavior following the murders demonstrated his capacity and presence of mind.