Mistrial on Megan Martzen murder case

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Updated: 2/14 7:13 pm
The last 4 years have been an emotional journey for Megan Martzen as she tried to prove her innonence in court, that she did not kill Ella VanLeeuwen, and now that's it's been declared a mistrial she is finally able to see the light at the end of the tunnel, and Megan Martzen credits her strong faith in God for that.
 
"God has been good through this, and we just have to keep trusting him through this, but God is really good," Megan Martzen said.
 
Through it all her family stood by her, supporting Martzen every difficult step of the way.
 
"It is encouraging to see how many believe in her and to see the public as well come behind us and support Megan," said April Roque, Megan's mother.
 
The judge declared Martzen's case a mistrial after the jury deliberated for hours and came to the conclusion that they just could not come to an agreement on a verdict.
Martzen's attorney says the jury spoke loud and clear.
 
"It can not and will not ever be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, it's also very clear that 8 of the jurors believed that megan did not intentionally cause any harm to Ela," Jeff Hammerschmidt said.
 
A few of the jurors spoke up about their support for Megan Martzen and how they truly believe she is innoncent.

"The truth will set you free, she's going to be fine," said one juror.
"When you really get down to it, there was no proof," said another juror.
 
The VanLeeuwen's rushed out of the courtroom after hearing of the mistrial, and refused to talk to the media.
Martzen and her family took the time to express their gratitude to the jury and the community.
 
"Very thankful for the jurors who stood behind megan, and for all of you who have treated her fairly through this," April Roque said.
 
The prosecution's reaction is what's disappointing to Martzen's mother.
 
"Disappionted that the DA for suggesting to continue, they can see how favorable it is for Megan," Roque said.
 
No matter what lies ahead, the Martzen's family says they will face what tommorow brings together as a family.
 
"We will respect what they do, and we will keep pushing forward," Roque said.
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papipg - 2/15/2013 10:18 PM
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Cusoon: I think your comment is very short sighted. It is a tragedy that Ella was injured and died. It is only vengeance that would support punishing Megan for the death. There was absolutely no physical evidence to support malice or negligence on her part and sufficient evidence to suggest Ella had injuries sustained while not in the care of Megan. For Megan to continue to be punished for sloppy police work and incomplete coroner work is unconscionable. Again..the loss of Ella is a tragedy but to further pin it on Megan only makes the tragedy worse.

cusoon - 2/14/2013 7:42 PM
0 Votes
I think it is a shame that they could not find this woman guilty of murder! I believe your report says that that the jury could not find her guilty of intentional manslaughert, the fact is, the baby is DEAD!!!! and she was watching her!!!
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