KOAM TV 7 Joplin and Pittsburg News Weather SportsSoutheast Kansas man convicted of killing his wife denied bond while awaiting an appeal

Southeast Kansas man convicted of killing his wife denied bond while awaiting an appeal

Updated July 9, 2010 - 4:50 PM CST

Last October a jury found Robert Jarman of Columbus, Kansas guilty of murdering his wife.

Suzanne Jarman was shot and killed in her home in August of 2007.

Her husband, Robert Jarman, had claimed the shooting was an accident.

In February Jarman was sentenced to almost 13 years in prison.

His attorneys have filed an appeal and on Friday his attorney asked to have Jarman released on bond.

A judge denied the request.

Updated Feb 05, 2010 - 4:40 PM CST

"I felt the sentence was a little light," says Dave Bailey, the father of Suzanne Jarman.

In August 2007 Suzanne Jarman was shot and killed in her home.  This past October her husband, Robert Jarman, was found guilty of her murder.

On Friday, Robert Jarman stood before the judge as he was read a sentence of 155 months - a little under 13 years.

Bailey said the verdict was about what he expected.

"Considering this judicial district, I think it is as good as we could hope for," Bailey told us.

Robert Jarman had claimed the shooting was an accident.

A gun expert testified the shotgun was functioning normally and showed no signs of misfiring.

Updated Feb 05, 2010 - 11:55 AM CST

COLUMBUS, KAN. - Robert Jarman of Columbus, Kansas stood before the court on Friday as the judge read his sentence:  155 months, which is a little under 13 years.

Jarman was facing a minimum sentence of 12 years.

Last October a jury found Jarman guilty of murdering his wife, Suzanne Jarman.

Suzanne was shot and killed in her home in August 2007.

Robert Jarman had claimed the shooting was an accident.

A gun expert testified the shotgun was functioning normally and showed no signs of misfiring.

Updated Oct. 29, 2009 -1:07 PM CST

A jury has found Robert Jarman guilty of second degree murder in the 2007 death of his wife, Suzanne.

Updated Oct. 29, 2009 - 12:25 PM CST

The defense attorney for Robert Jarman wrapped up his case yesterday, and on Thursday morning closing arguments were heard.

The jury is now deliberating.

Updated Oct. 28, 2009 - 4:30 PM CST

The daughter of the man accused of killing his wife takes the stand for a second time, this time for the defense.

Medical professionals who oversee Robert Jarman's health dominated the witness stand this morning.  Then, this afternoon the defense called numerous law enforcement officials in as witnesses.

But the key witness for the defense seemed to be one that has already sat on the stand during day one.

As Carly Jarman took the stand on Wednesday she silently mouthed the words "I love you" to her father.

She said her parents rarely argued and the only disagreements they usually had were about money.

Defense attorney Sam Marsh also asked her if either parent was having an affair or if her father had a gambling problem to her knowledge, to which she answered no.

She spoke about her relationship with her mother saying they were always together and the best of friends.

During cross examination the state's Barry Disney asked Carly if she knew her mother was taking anti-depressants at the time of the shooting.

Carly said she only knew that her mother was taking medication for diabetes and anxiety.

The defense rested it's case Wednesday afternoon and we expect to hear cross examination Thursday morning.   Jury deliberation will follow.

Updated Oct. 28, 2009 - 3:30 PM CST

Defense attorney Sam Marsh called a psychiatrist, a pharmacist and a physician to the stand Wednesday morning.

Each detailed Robert Jarman's health conditions, including numerous lung related ailments and anxiety issues.  Each of which added to what the defense called a lengthy "laundry list" of medications.

Some of those do have a possibility of causing sedation as well as affecting motor skills and judgement.

During cross examination of these medical professionals each admitted to never asking Jarman to refrain from driving or other activities due to medication side-affects.

Updated Oct. 27, 2009 - 5:55 PM CST

The second day of trial in the murder case against Robert Jarman consisted of only expert testimony, with a blood stain pattern examiner taking the stand on Tuesday.

Michael VanStratten told the jury, the blood pattern at the scene of the crime indicates the location and position of Robert and Suzanne Jarman.

The expert's testimony stated that Suzanne was leaning slightly forward, towards the inside of a gun case when she was shot in the back of the head.

Blood splatter also indicates that the gun used was in the tradition shooting position, with the gun level.

The state now rests as the defense presents it's case Wednesday morning.

Updated Oct. 26, 2009 - 5:10 PM CST

By NINA CRISCUOLO

The first day of trial for Robert Jarman included testimony from crime scene experts as well as friends and family of the victims and defendant.

After opening statements, the state began calling it's witnesses to the stand.

Detective Tommy Deitz spent the most time on the stand, explaining evidence like photos of the crime scene, the gun that fired the bullet, and reenactment attempts of the incident.

Finally, the state turned to friends and family.

The Jarman's daughter, Carly, provided testimony of her father's mental state the day of the incident.  She says her father acted normally that day and during her brother's birthday celebrations that evening.

Also presented as evidence were two 911 calls made after Suzanne was shot, both by Robert Jarman.  (The transcript below is from the 2nd call made):

ROBERT JARMAN:  I was handing her the gun.

DISPATCHER:  Okay, where did the bullet strike her in the body?

JARMAN:  The back of the head.

DISPATCHER:  The back of her head.

JARMAN:  Yes, it slipped and when she was in the gun safe is slipped and it hit her.

DISPATCHER:  Okay, they are on their way.

JARMAN:  Please don't leave.

The state will call additional witnesses on Tuesday, followed by defense testimony.

Judge Oliver Kent Lynch says he expects the trial to last at least four days.

Updated Oct. 26, 2009 - 1:20 PM CST

By NINA CRISCUOLO

The trial began this morning with opening statements from both the state and defense.

The state says Robert Jarman intentionally killed his wife on August 22, 2007, and the defense says it was a complete accident turning a day of celebration into a complete nightmare.

The 22nd was Suzanne and Robert son's 14th birthday.

The state's Barry Disney called one of the dispatchers from that night to the stand first.

During that testimony the recordings of both 911 calls, both made by Robert Jarman, were played for the jury.

Disney continued by calling the officer first on scene and a detective to the stand.

Judge Oliver Kent Lynch believes the trial will last at least four days.

Once the state finishes calling it's witnesses to the state, the defense will then have the opportunity to present it's witnesses.

Updated Oct. 26, 2009 - 11:20 a.m.

COLUMBUS, KAN. - Opening statements were heard this morning and jurors listened to the 911 calls Robert Jarman made to police on the evening of August 22, 2007.

Robert Jarman is charged with second degree murder for the death of his wife, Suzanne, two years ago.

His murder trial began this morning in Cherokee County court, where Jarman's attorney argues the case was an accidental shooting.

Suzanne Jarman was a para-professional at Columbus Unified High School.

Autopsy results show she died from a gunshot wound to the back of the head.

We will bring you the latest on today's trial as the information is received.

Updated October 16, 2009 - 4:45 PM CST

CHEROKEE COUNTY, KAN. - A rural Columbus, Kansas man charged with killing his wife will finally go to trial after two years of delays.

Robert Jarman is charged with killing his wife, Suzanne, at their rural Columbus home in August 2007.

Authorities say Suzanne Jarman died after being shot in the back of the head.

She was a para-professional in the special education department at Columbus Unified High School.

On Friday in Cherokee County court attorneys for the state and the defense presented final motions and discussed jury selection for next week's trial.

Jarman's attorney says the shooting was accidental.

Trial begins next Friday.

Last Updated February 23, 2008 - 11:48 AM CST

By CHRISTINA TIPTON

Robert Jarman is charged with second degree murder.  He is accused of shooting his wife Suzanne last August.

Authorities say she was shot in the back of the head at the couple's home just outside of Columbus, Kansas.

It took authorities six months to file the charges and he was arrested Tuesday night.  Bond was set at $150,000.

In court Wednesday afternoon, Robert Jarman's defense asked for a bond reduction.  His attorney said because of Jarman's medical state he should have a lower bond so he can return home and receive the medical treatment he needs.

Jarman is currently taking about 20 prescribed medications and is on oxygen.

The defense said they did not think he would receive proper care in jail.

The judge also lifted the order requiring Jarman not to contact any witnesses.

He says because Jarman's children are considered witnesses, he may be living with them if he posts bond.

The judge said this order is only lifted for family, and they can not discuss this case.

Jarman's preliminary hearing is set for March 3.

Kansas Attorney General Steve Six charged Robert Jarman with intentional second degree murder.

August 22, 2007 authorities found Jarman's wife dead from a gunshot wound to the head at the couple's home just outside of Columbus.

Suzanne Jarman, 42, was a teacher at Columbus Unified High School.

The sheriff's department and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation have been investigating her death.

Updated October 29, 2008 - 12:12 PM CST

A Cherokee County, Kansas judge has determined that there is enough evidence for Robert Jarman to go to trial.

Jarman is accused of killing his wife in August 2007 and is charged with intentional second degree murder.

A preliminary hearing was held last week and after reviewing the evidence, the judge issued his decision Thursday.

Suzanne Jarman, 42, was a teacher at Columbus High School.  Police say she was found with a gun shot wound to the back of the head inside the couple's home.