Jesse Mathews is escorted into court in this file photo.
U.S. District Judge Harry S. “Sandy” MatticeU.S. District Judge Harry S. “Sandy” Mattice, who recused himself from hearing an issue related to Jesse Mathews’ murder trial, has denied Mathews’ request that he testify in the case.
In a letter sent Thursday to Jesse Mathews’ attorneys, Lee Davis and Bryan Hoss, Mattice said he had thoroughly considered the Nov. 15 request, but he cited federal guidelines that say judges “may not provide testimony” except under certain circumstances.
Mattice didn’t find that Mathews’ request met the requirements outlined in the guidelines. Mathews is set to be tried in January in Hamilton County Criminal Court in the shooting death of Chattanooga police Sgt. Tim Chapin during a Brainerd Road pawnshop robbery on April 2, 2011.
Davis and Hoss want Mattice’s testimony if Mathews is found guilty. They hope the judge’s evidence would help persuade a jury not to give their client the death penalty.
Mattice wrote that transcripts of the sentencing hearings for Mathews’ family members, over which he presided, were sufficient.