PORTAGE (WKZO AM/FM) — We have now learned why Christopher Lockhart was not charged with drunken driving the first time he was cited for violating probation. Court documents show that his blood alcohol registered at .43.
That’s too low for a drunken driving charge, but any booze in his system violated a bond condition that he abstain from alcohol.
He was also restricted to driving to and from work, but investigators have since learned that he hasn’t reported to his job at Pfizer since May.
Lockhart has been a person of interest in what Portage Police say is the possible homicide of his wife for 11 weeks now.
How long can this go on?
Consider the case of Brent Spaulding. He has been a “person of interest” for decades in the cold case death of Eric Cross of Vicksburg 34 years ago.
He has also had his share of problems with the law. He is wanted right now for missing court dates this week on unrelated charges.
A group of volunteers called Eric’s Army, have been doing what they can to resolve the case. They were campaigning Thursday night in Portage for witnesses to come forward.
They say the Sheriff’s office has identified as many as five “persons of interest” in the Cross case.
It also has to be mentioned that both men are innocent until proven guilty and there is growing criticism of the use of the term “person of interest” by the police and the media because it suggests otherwise.
Some call it “trial by media”, but its also clear that the court of public opinion in the age of the internet is a different animal altogether.
