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White Supremacist Granted New Trial Due to Belching Witness

September 3, 1999
DENVER (AP) -- The star witness in the slaying of a West African immigrant may not be called to testify when the death penalty trial begins for the white supremacist charged in the killing.

Nathan Thill, 21, is accused of murdering Oumar Dia because he was black and of paralyzing Jeannie VanVelkinburgh, who tried to come to Dia's aid in the late-night attack at a downtown bus stop.

Ms. VanVelkinburgh's testimony helped convict Thill's companion, Jeremiah Barnum. But Barnum was later granted a new trial because a judge ruled VanVelkinburgh's emotional behavior -- which included screaming, crying and belching -- jeopardized Barnum's right to a fair trial.

Prosecutors refused to comment on whether they plan to call Ms. VanVelkinburgh during Thill's trial, which was scheduled to begin today in Denver District Court.

Legal analyst Andrew Cohen of Denver said prosecutors must decide whether Ms. VanVelkinburgh's testimony is crucial to their case.

If I had been paralyzed by some insane lunatic and had to testify against him, I might be screaming, crying and belching too!

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