Transcript of testimony is focus of Routier appeal

Fort Worth Star Telegram November 14, 1998

Dallas -- The troublesome transcript of the Darlie Routier capital murder trial, which almost landed a court reporter in jail, was the subject of more controversy in an appeal hearing yesterday.

Three court reporters testified that they found discrepancies in the Routier transcript, which was prepared by court reporter Sandra M. Halsey.

In asking for the hearing, Routier's appellate attorneys argued that there were problems with the transcript. Until those problems were fixed, the appeal was unable to move forward, attorneys said.

Routier, 28, is on Death Row for the June 1996 killing of her son Damon in the family's Rowlett home. Her 6-year-old son Devon also died in the attack, which she claims was the work of an intruder.

During Routier's trial, jurors asked for a portion of testimony from her husband, Darin Routier, to be transcribed. Defense attorney Stephen Cooper said when the entire record was transcribed again after the trial, the testimony was slightly different.