Christian Sims, (pictured) the 17-year-old former high school student accused of murdering his grandmother Anne Sims, will be tried as an adult.
County Court Judge Bill Harris, who also presided over Sims’ competency hearing, determined the former North Lamar High School student should be tried in criminal court due to “the seriousness of the offense alleged” after considering the arguments made by both the prosecution and the defense.
Assistant County Attorney Laurie Pollard argued for having Sims tried as an adult, while defense attorney Jennifer Gibo argued to keep Sims in the state juvenile justice system. Prior to any actual arguments, both attorneys agreed that neither of Sims’ biological parents are able to adequately serve him since both had lost parental rights in previous proceedings concerning his welfare. Harris did appoint a guardian ad litem prior to the initial case hearings, who was present at the trial.
The state called three witnesses to the stand throughout the hearing. The first witness, Texas Ranger Stacy McNeal, worked alongside local law enforcement at the crime scene to determine what had happened. McNeal described Annie Sims’ wounds: gunshots to her arm, cheek, and the back of her head, and he further detailed what he was able to find on his initial investigation.
“We were made aware that Mrs. Sims’ vehicle was missing,” McNeal said, also pointing out that Mrs. Sims’ credit cards and firearms were missing. After having Mrs. Sims’ husband, Mike Sims, request information from the credit card companies as to the last known use of the cards, McNeal then coordinated with police in McAlester, OK to review security footage from their local Walmart, later confirming that Sims and his girlfriend, 17-year-old Ashley Morrison, had purchased food, clothing, and hygiene items from the store using Mrs. Sims’ credit card. Sims and Morrison then checked into a Hotel 6 in Sapulpa, OK under his name.
After the defense asked basic questions about any prior involvement with Sims, of which McNeal had none, and a 5-minute recess, North Lamar High School band director Randy Jones was called to the stand. Jones claimed to have known Sims for at least five years, developing a mentorship with Sims. Jones said Sims often talked about being frustrated with his grandmother as well as moving out of his grandparents’ house.
“He moved out and moved in with the Morrisons,” said Jones. “Ashley and Christian had been dating for a while.”
Jones noted that, although Christian did struggle with math and science, he was doing well in school otherwise and loved band, despite wanting to quit at the conclusion of the Fall 2014 semester to work more.
“The kids liked him. He was sociable,” said Jones.
After the defense briefly cross-examined Jones, he was dismissed and the state called Lamar County Chief Juvenile Probation Officer Darrell Bruce to the stand. Bruce stated that, based on diagnostic reports compiled by both Dr. Randy Price and Dr. Charles Keenum, he believed Sims could not be served well by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) because Sims doesn’t need what the department offers. According to Bruce, the TJJD has programs like Crossing The Line for minors who have behavioral issues and need to develop life skills in order to function in society.
“He has the skills, was a good student and held a job,” said Bruce, stating Sims’ case should be transferred to the adult criminal system.
Gibo, in her cross-examination, however, challenged Bruce’s statement, claiming since Bruce isn’t a psychiatrist he couldn’t make a determination on Sims’ mental state or needs.
In their closing arguments, Pollard and Gibo went back and forth on what would be best for the next stage of proceedings.
“This is not some mentally ill kid who needs medication to function in the world,” said Pollard. “Transfer to the criminal system is appropriate.”
Gibo fired back, saying that a determinate sentence would allow for Sims to undergo rehabilitation and, if that fails, can transfer into the adult criminal court system.
“This is an individual who is suffering from mental illness,” said Gibo. “He went off his medication and allegedly committed this heinous act.”
Gibo also stated Morrison herself was doing finger-pointing, and that the state shouldn’t rule out that Morrison could have also carried out the murder.
In one last argument, Pollard shot back that juvenile probation “couldn’t do anything” for Sims.
“He made those choices like an adult and he should stand by them,” said Pollard.
After the closing arguments, Harris ordered Sims’ transfer to the 6th District Criminal Court. A trial date has not been set as of July 17, but Pollard spoke with eParisExtra afterward and said County Attorney Gary Young would announce the trial date.
Article by Matthew Ablon