Criminal Cases (most of these can be googled)
State of Kansas v. Marvin Canaan
Defendant charged with first degree murder, aggravated robbery, robbery and aggravated robbery. The State's theory was Canaan killed Michael Kirkpatrick to steal drugs and money. Kirkpatrick was found dead inside his residence having been stabbed and slashed numerous times Kirkpatrick was a low level drug dealer in Edgerton, Johnson County, Kansas. Defendant claimed he did not commit the crime and pointed the finger at the neighbor of Kirkpatrick who found the body and called the police without identifying himself. The neighbor changed his story during several interviews about his activities just prior to the murder taking place and admitted to buying cocaine from Kirkpatrick just a few hours prior to when the State believed Kirkpatrick was killed. Evidence in the case was circumstantial and included DNA evidence and blood splatter evidence.
State of Kansas v. Richard Grissom
This was a very high profile case (nationally) which I second chaired with the District Attorney. Grissom murdered three young women (early to mid 20's). The bodies were never found. The evidence in this case was strictly circumstantial and was the first case in Kansas (and perhaps one of the first nationally) using DNA evidence. The trial lasted over three weeks. The murders occurred in Overland Park and Lenexa, Kansas.
State of Kansas v. Edward Lasley
Lasley shot and killed Gary D. Sheppard outside of Sheppard's apartment (with a shotgun). Lasley had been involved in an 18 month affair with Sheppard's wife. When Sheppard found out about the affair she ended her involvement with Lasley. State's theory was that Lasley killed Sheppard so he could continue his relationship with Sheppard's wife. Defense claimed there was a confrontation between Lasley and Sheppard at Sheppard's home and Lasley shot him in self defense. Murder occurred in Shawnee, Kansas.
State v. Alfred Williams
This was a very high profile case in this area. Williams was charged with two counts of premeditated murder and four counts of attempted murder. All of the victims were high school students who attended Shawnee Mission North high school. Alfred Williams attended Olathe North high school. After a football between the two schools (at Olathe North high school) Williams fired seven times into a group of SMN high school students killing two and injuring four. The State's theory was that Williams planned to kill some SMN high school students to settle a fistfight that had occurred the day before between Willams and a group of his friends and a group of SMN high school students. The fistfight had been planned and when Williams and his group showed up they were outnumbered. One member of Williams group was beaten up by the SMN high school students. The defense argued the SMN high school students were beating up (again) on one of Williams' group and going after Williams. Williams only fired the gun to save himself and his friend.
State of Kansas v. J.R. Giddens
Defended Giddens, a Kansas University basketball player, on a battery charge stemming from a bar fight in which one person was beaten up and Giddens receives a knife wound to his leg. State's theory was that Giddens started the fight. Giddens transferred to the University of New Mexico where he is currently playing for the Lobos and is an expected NBA lottery pick. This all occurred in Lawrence, Douglas County, Kansas.
Wiretap cases
As an assistant district attorney, Attorney Vermillion handled several wiretap cases for the State of Kansas. One case involved a heroin distribution ring. During this wiretap, we learned of a missing women who was feared murdered. During the wiretap the body of the missing women was discovered and based upon information obtained during the wiretap Curtis Bond was charged with second degree murder in her death. He plead as charged. The distributor (from Texas) was charged in federal court and plead to federal drug distribution charges. Another noteworthy wiretap case, involved the distribution of steroids. Attorney Vermillion has done a number of indictments and convictions.
Civil cases (some can be googled)
Bernice Mitchell v. Sol Dubin, M.D., Surgical Care of Independence, Inc., Orthopedic Associates of Kansas City, Robert Bowser, M.D., Jeff Richardson, CRNA and Independence Anesthesia, Inc.
Attorney Vermillion was co counsel in the defense of Doctor Dubin and Orthopedic Associates in a case of a wrongful death of an 18 year old male trauma victim. Male was admitted to an ER after auto accident and died during a surgery being performed by Doctor Dubin. There were numerous and complicated medical issues. The was a month long trial. The jury returned a verdict in favor of Doctor Dubin and Orthopedic Associates. The case was listed in the Missouri Lawyers Weekly as the third largest defense verdict of 2006. This occurred in Independence, Jackson County, Missouri.
Gary Nadolski, M.D. v. Iftekar Ahmed, M.D.
Attorney Vermillion was second chair in defending Dr. Ahmed against allegations that Dr. Ahmed failed to diagnose a brain tumor in a timely manner; causing Dr. Nadolski's complete disability. Doctor Nadolski asked for almost 5 million in damages. The jury returned a verdict in favor of Dr. Ahmed. This occurred in Kansas City, Jackson County, Missouri.
City of Bethany v. Schreiner and Sons Construction, Farmers Mutual Insurance, Harrison County farm Bureau, Eddie Barber, Morton Buildings, Inc. and Allied Design Architectural and Engineering Group.
Attorney Vermillion defended Schreiner and Sons Construction on a complex multi party building collapse case. There were over 25 depositions taken. Defense verdict for Schreiner and Sons Construction.
There are other civil cases Attorney Vermillion defended that resolved either through motions for summary judgment, dismissal or settlement. Attorney Vermillion has defended physicians, hospitals, churches, long term care facilities, not for profits and other types of entities and individuals.
