Judge shows he's no softy

By COLLEEN JENKINS and ABBIE VANSICKLE
Published July 5, 2007

We told you last week that the latest judicial rotation put Circuit Judge Gregory Holder, previously a civil trial judge, on the criminal bench.

On Tuesday, we got a peek at what criminal defendants might expect from the West Point graduate and Air Force veteran.

As Holder filled in on first appearance hearings for Circuit Judge Walter Heinrich, the judge had to decide whether two teenage brothers from Thonotosassa should remain in jail on felony animal cruelty charges.

The brothers, Chris and Eric Crist, are accused of allowing pit bulls to fight. Hillsborough County Animal Services found three dogs so severely injured that they had to be euthanized, reports showed. Four other dogs were found to be without sufficient food, water or shelter.

Holder ordered bail for Chris Crist, 18, and Eric Crist Jr., 19, at $1.6-million and a little more than $1.2-million, respectively.

"We view these charges as very serious, " Holder said. "I have set what in my mind is a reasonable bond. Any questions?"

The young men gave no response.

"I thought not, " the judge said. "Thank you. Go away."

Baby Doe remembered

Baby Doe died in a West Tampa alley in May 2006, her mother accused of abandoning the newborn.

Baby Doe was buried, months later, in a pauper's unmarked grave at a funeral that no family attended.

Now, thanks to a stranger's kindness, her life will be remembered on a headstone at her grave.

A Palm Harbor woman donated money to Rest Haven Memorial Park for a marker to commemorate the baby's life.

"Alyssa Doe, May 9, 2006, " the stone reads. Birds, ribbons and flowers encircle her name, said park manager Jim McKeehan.

The stone should be finished by the end of the week, he said.

Mary Louise Doe is accused of giving birth and leaving the baby to die. Her next court hearing is set for August.

Doe, now 42, was sent to the Florida State Hospital in Chattahoochee after experts determined in June 2006 that she was incapable to assist her attorneys. She has since been deemed sufficiently competent to stand trial.

Web site improved

First, the court clerk's office did it. Now it's the administration's turn.

On Tuesday, the 13th Judicial Circuit unveiled a revamped Web site at www.fljud13.org.

The site breaks down information specific to judges, attorneys, staff members and citizens with the hope of better catering to each group.

Attorneys will now be able to secure dates for civil and family law hearings by clicking on the J-Calendar. The site also offers printable court forms for an array of general civil, family law and criminal matters.

Another cool feature: The whole site is available in Spanish.

"Our hope is that our new Web site will be a step towards removing barriers and understanding the courts for that part of our community that surfs the Net, " court administrator Mike Bridenback said in a released statement.

Got a tip? For cops news, contact Abbie VanSickle at vansickle@ sptimes.com or 813 226-3373. For courts news, contact Colleen Jenkins at cjenkins@sptimes.com or (813) 226-3337.

[Last modified July 5, 2007, 07:27:28]