Opinion ID: 2116540
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: trial and nissen's agreement to testify

Text: By Monday morning, May 15, 1995, after voir dire and prior to opening statements, the following exchange occurred outside the presence of the jury: THE COURT: With regard to [Nissen's] Motion to Quash, I had a conversation last night with [Nissen's counsel] and defense counsel.... Or prosecution, yes. Excuse me. Now, I'm gonna let them explain to you what's goin'what the nature of that was, because I think you're entitled to know, in view of your Motion [in Limine]. Okay. [PROSECUTION]: Uhwe're negotiating an agreement that would have him testify in this matter; it's not been finalized. THE COURT: It has not been finalized? [PROSECUTION]: No. Oh, yeah, that's right. Theand [Nissen's counsel], I think, agreed to continue his Motion to Quash until such time as Nissen would be called, I think that's the extent of it. Lotter's counsel moved for a continuance to take Nissen's deposition and to delay opening statements until it was known whether Nissen would testify. The trial court denied the continuance. On May 17, 1995, during his direct examination, Nissen testified to his understanding of his sentencing agreement. Nissen stated: There won't be a death sentence hearing. When asked whether he was going to be put to death, Nissen said, No. Nissen also testified that he signed a document memorializing the agreement early Monday morning and that his attorney had a copy of the document. He did not mention that two felony charges against him were dropped. Nissen's deposition had been taken on May 16, 1995, but it had not been transcribed. Prior to Nissen's direct examination, Lotter's defense counsel again moved for a continuance until he received the deposition transcript. The court denied the continuance but did provide that defense counsel would not be forced to cross-examine Nissen without having a transcript of the deposition. The transcript was completed that afternoon, and cross-examination was conducted that same day. On May 18, 1995, the day after Nissen's testimony, defense counsel informed the trial court that he had requested a copy of the document evidencing Nissen's sentencing agreement from the prosecution but was told that he had no right to that document. The judge indicated that he desired that a copy of the document be put in both the Nissen and the Lotter files. The prosecution responded by stating: Well, I'mI'm not gonna file it I guess is my position . Shortly thereafter, the prosecution denied having a copy of the document evidencing the agreement. After further discussion, the prosecution admitted that Nebraska State Patrol Investigator Roger Chrans did indeed have a copy of the document. For whatever reason, Chrans later testified that the copy he said he had on May 18 was the wrong copy. According to Chrans, the version of the document that was eventually filed came from the county attorney. Nonetheless, defense counsel did obtain a copy of the document from Nissen's file sometime on May 18. The document evidencing the agreement stated in pertinent part: 1. The State of Nebraska agrees not to pursue the death penalty at the sentencing of Marvin Thomas Nissen. The State will not present any evidence of any aggravating circumstances in connection with Mr. Nissen's sentencing, and the State will not acquiesce to the convening of a three judge panel. Prior to the finalizing of any agreement, the State will be party to a meeting between attorneys and Judge Finn wherein the State will inform the judge of no need for the convening of a three judge panel or the preparation of a presentencing report that may contain evidence of aggravating circumstances. If the judge agrees to do so, the State does not object to the parties receiving an assurance that Judge Finn would not convene a three judge panel and would impose life sentences upon Mr. Nissen. .... 3. All other pending charges against Mr. Nissen will be dismissed without prejudice and will not be re-filed except in the event of non-compliance with this Agreement by Mr. Nissen and no new charges will be instituted concerning the events ... which occurred on December 24, 1993 through and including December 31, 1993. 4. Mr. Nissen will agree to testify against John L. Lotter, or any other individual when requested to do so by the State in any criminal proceedings.... He will give complete and truthful testimony and answer all prosecution inquiries to the best of his ability and the State agrees that no testimony or other information or any information directly or indirectly derived from such testimony or other information may be used against Mr. Nissen in any criminal case except in prosecution for perjury or giving a false statement. .... 6. Once this agreement has been entered into, Mr. Nissen will give a full and complete recitation of the events leading to the executions of Teena Brandon, Lisa Lambert, and Phillip DeVine.... The primary interviewer will be Investigator Roger L. Chrans of the Nebraska State Patrol. Investigator Chrans will be instructed to immediately terminate the interview if in his opinion Mr. Nissen is in any way evasive or untruthful in his responses to Investigator Chrans' questions.... In the event that the interview is terminated for these reasons the aforementioned agreement is to be immediately declared null and void and the matter will proceed to sentencing.... 7. For the safety of the Defendant and as soon as is practicable, the State of Nebraska will assist and make all reasonable efforts to have Mr. Nissen transferred while awaiting sentencing or upon the imposition of sentence imposed by the District Court to an institution in another State. There was a typed dateline on the document evidencing the agreement, indicating that it had been signed on May 15, 1995. After the period following the typed 1995, the time was handwritten as 9 24 PM, and the document was initialed JE. Nissen gave his first interview to Chrans from approximately 1 to 4:45 a.m. on Monday, May 15, 1995. Chrans conducted a second interview that same day beginning at about 6:30 p.m. and lasting until approximately 10 p.m.