TOLEDO, OH (Toledo News Now) - TOLEDO, OH (TOLEDO NEWS NOW) - Maytee Clarke says she is appalled and disgusted at Cameo Pettaway's acquittal. Pettaway was accused of murdering her son, Johnny Clarke, and his girlfriend, Lisa Straub.
The two were found dead in the Springfield Township home of Straub's parents last January. The killers restrained the young couple before placing plastic bags and duct tape over their heads. Pettaway and Samuel Williams were arrested and charged with murder, among other crimes, in the case.
Judge James Bates dismissed all charges against Pettaway Thursday after the prosecution rested, saying they state's only physical evidence, a cigarette butt with Pettaway and Williams' DNA on it, was not enough to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Pettaway was involved in the murder.
Maytee Clarke criticizes Judge Bates for refusing to allow recordings from the Williams trial to be introduced as evidence in the Pettaway case. Clarke claims those recordings link Pettaway to the killings.
"This is a catastrophe. How could this happen. How could be let this guy walk knowing he's the killer," said Clark.
Clark also has a message for Pettaway, saying "I hate you. The pain you inflicted on Johnny and Lisa that evil, vile night when you made the choice to kill our children is going to reflect on you, your parents the rest of your miserable life."
Samuel Williams is still awaiting his fate, as his trial was handed over to a jury Thursday.
