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Not Guilty: Bowie State Student Acquitted of All Charges

The jury deliberated for less than three hours.

After deliberating for less than three hours, the jury in the Bowie State murder trial has just delivered a verdict of not guilty on all counts for defendant Alexis Simpson, according to a spokesperson for Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Angela Alsobrooks.

Simpson was on trial for the September 2011 murder of her fomer Bowie State University roommate Dominique Frazier.

Alsobrooks is “stunned” and “disappointed” with the verdict, according to the spokesperson, but still respects the verdict and the system.

So Tell Us: Do you agree or disagree with the jury? Why or why not?

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Beth November 16, 2012 at 01:33 am
Who was the jury here? She herself said and I quote, " I didn't mean to kill her" There is more to this story either that wasn't written here, or told to the public.
Fred Tinsley November 16, 2012 at 01:58 am
1.Alsobrooks is terrible at her job
2. A young lady was murdered 3. A jury let the killer go free
MP November 16, 2012 at 02:01 am
Maybe she didn't mean to kill her, but did need to/mean to defend herself...either way, it's sad that a life was lost and this girl has to live with taking a life, right or wrong.
DarShayla Price November 16, 2012 at 02:04 am
Obviously there is more to the story. Don't always believe only what the media feeds you.
Jenni Pompi (Editor) November 16, 2012 at 02:09 am
Hi, Beth - I didn't cover the trial personally so I don't have anymore details, but I will update the story when I get more information.
tracey smith November 16, 2012 at 02:10 am
There is more to the story than what was told to the public . Granted a life was taken but if you knew the whole story than you wound understand why she was found not guilty. The jury did a good job!!!!
Stephen Wehrenberg November 16, 2012 at 02:27 am
Where might we get some insight about the "real story?"
s stewart November 16, 2012 at 02:46 am
Congratulations to the jury for considering all the given facts in a very difficult case. People still fail to downplay the ramifications of bullying. A life has been lost and another has been shadowed. Although she may feel pretty unpopular right now, I hope the young lady can receive proper therapy and go on to make the community proud.
tracey smith November 16, 2012 at 03:12 am
It was a self defense case!!!! Justice was servered!!!! Teach you kids not to be bullies!!!!
lilkunta November 16, 2012 at 09:49 am
i'm surprised thatAlexa was totally acquitted of all 7 charges.Yes Alex didnt mean to kill but Dominique but she did. If her defense had been justifiable homicide that would start to help me understand. Why wasnt this case broadcast so we all could see/hear what the jury did & know all that was presented in court ? Will alsobrook appeal the verdict ? will bowie now allow alexa to return to bsu(of course she cant live on campus anymore). Why not a guilty find on involuntary manslaughter or 2nd degree murder or 3rd degree murder or 4th degree murder?
DarShayla Price November 16, 2012 at 11:59 am
Bullying is a horrible thing...I hope this case helps to save someone else's life. Whether they are being bullied or is bullying someone else.
Jenni Pompi (Editor) November 16, 2012 at 12:42 pm
According to WUSA9, the prosecution made allegations that Simpson did some bullying of her own, taunting Frazier because she was a lesbian. (Simpson denied the allegations.) Does that change any opinions of the altercations between the two women? Could the alleged bullying have been going both ways?
(Here's the WUSA9 article: http://www.wusa9.com/news/article/229747/158/Alexis-Simpson-is-accused-of-Murdering-Dominique-Frazier-in-the-Bowie-State-Roommate-Murder-Trial)
Jay November 16, 2012 at 02:41 pm
There was a trail of well documented information of her being bullied. She complained to University Housing staff about being harassed and feeling uncomfortable in her apartment and they in turn neglected her complaints. Not sure whether the University will be held liable or not but either way a life was lost. I used to attend this school and I can say firsthand they neglect a lot of the students complaints. There have been fights, shootings, stabbings, you name it. Nothing is ever done. In my opinion the school and the staff should be held liable.
Brandon Price November 16, 2012 at 04:07 pm
Beth, the prosecutor in this case was trying to make a name for herself in a case which was beginning to draw national attention. The arrogant. pushy style the prosecutor used may work on Television but this was real world and she alienated the jurors to the point she lost everything. The speed with which the jury returned a verdict is the real indicator here, showing they did not consider physical evidence or debate testimony. Verdicts in trials like this typically result in a two to three day jury deliberation and a more understandable verdict of involuntary manslaughter.
Brandon Price November 16, 2012 at 04:22 pm
Ms.Pompi, to further your journalistic career you might do some research into length of jury deliberation. I believe the very recent "Wedding Reception Stabber" case in the District might give you an example. The jury either strongly disliked the victim, possibly because of her internet postings, or they disliked the prosecutor. Divide the time spent deliberating by the number of charges and it's obvious the jury never discussed the prosecution's arguments.
Brandon Price November 16, 2012 at 04:34 pm
Jay, the State of Maryland and the Legislature has never taken the Four HBC's seriously in terms or Academics, Athletics or Facilities. The expectations for these four schools are so low that even a student housing killing won't change anything. Had this event happened at Coppin or UMES it would have barely been mentioned.
Jenni Pompi (Editor) November 16, 2012 at 04:36 pm
That's an interesting point, Jay. I know Frazier's family can still bring a civil suit against Simpson for their daughter's death, but I wonder if the University can be held responsible if there is indeed a well documented history of bullying? Anyone with a law background out there have some insight into this?
baldhead November 16, 2012 at 11:18 pm
It's sad that this young vivacious young lady had to loose her life at such a tender age with everything in the world going for her but it's even sadder that ,now not only does this other young lady has to live with the stigma of being a murderer ,but she also has to live with the fact that she went threw it all .let's pray for them both and families.
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