Nicholas McGuffin found Guilty of Manslaughter for the death of Leah Nicole Freeman/Sentencing w/be on Aug. 1/ Leah's story on 20/20 Friday July 29

Cry all you want,” McGuffin told Courtwright. “My son is innocent.”

“Don’t talk to me,” Courtwright shot back. “Don’t ever talk to me again.”

Oh good thing I was not there. How dare she? I believe she helped destroy evidence and she is so darn lucky to not be in trial for Obstruction of Justice.

michelle_ellis wrote:I honestly don't have time to post everything on here, on the Facebook cause page and the Facebook page. So, the most up-to-date site is always the Justice for Leah Facebook page.

Thank you! I am looking forward to reading the interview with Nicks Father.

Emotional arraignment
by BJ in OR Today at 2:59 am

This might be the interview with Nick's father. Unless something else comes out later today.

Wowee its speeding along...

Not to be negative but they must have something on Nick other then he changed his car twice and didn't knock on Cory's door that night, ive always felt he knew something at the very least...

Just wondering whats come up to make them finally arrest him..I guess that will come out soon..

A man charged with murder Tuesday in a case that has haunted the hamlet of Coquille, Ore., for 10 years proclaimed his innocence and called the alleged victim, 15-year-old Leah Freeman, the "love of my life."

Nicholas McGuffin, 28, was charged Tuesday with killing then-girlfriend Freeman in 2000. Local authorities said McGuffin had long been a suspect in a crime. McGuffin pleaded not guilty.

When police arrived at McGuffin's home to arrest him, he was retrieving his mail, wearing a uniform from his job as a chef. He stood quietly as police read him his rights and handcuffed him.

We asked whether he had committed the crime.

"No, I didn't do it," McGuffin said. "She was the love of my life, man."

ABC News was at the home of Cory Courtright, Leah's mother, as she and Leah's family heard the news of the arrest.

Courtright said she was overjoyed and praised the work of Police Chief Mark Dannels.

"I was beginning to lose hope, but once Chief Dannels hit Coquille, that changed," Courtright said. "This community is very, very fortunate to have him here."

Leah disappeared on a summer night after visiting a friend's house. Police originally treated the disappearance as a runaway teen case. Weeks later the girl's body was found on a forested roadside slope outside town.

"I don't think a day went by unless I was trying another case that I didn't think about what we could do on this case," said Coos County District Attorney Paul Frasier.

McGuffin worked as a chef at a casino.

"I'm not a flight risk. I'm a family man and I work hard," McGuffin told the judge at his arraignment.

Frasier dismissed McGuffin's family's claim that he had been framed for the crime.

"If they think he's been framed, I'll certainly look at whatever evidence they have to suggest that," said Frasier. "You could say if you did this or that, you could have a different result back then, but I really can't say one way or the other to that question. We're here where we are because of what we've done in the last two years."

Bail was set at $2 million.

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A man accused of killing a 15-year-old girl a decade ago on the Oregon Coast broke down in court Tuesday during his arraignment.
Nick McGuffin pleaded not guilty to one count of murder in connection with the death of Leah Freeman, who vanished in June 2000.
Freeman's body was discovered several weeks after she disappeared. She was found about 9 miles away from her home in Coquille.
McGuffin, who was dating Freeman at the time of her death, told the courtroom that he's a family man and not a flight risk. He begged the judge to reduce his $2 million bail.
Freeman's family is still in shock about the latest development in the case.
"He doesn't look anything like he did the last time I saw him," said Cory Courtright, Freeman's mother. "He just, I don't know. It just scares me and it just made me shake."
A hearing on reducing McGuffin's bail has been scheduled for Sept. 2.

michelle_ellis wrote:

BJ in OR wrote:

As the families were entering the Judge Gillespie’s courtroom, Cory Courtright, Leah’s mother, was in tears at the entrance and McGuffin’s mother standing a few feet behind her said, “Cry all you want, Cory. Nick is innocent”. Much to Cory’s credit she responded only that Mrs McGuffin should not speak to her, ever.

Oh my goodness, you have GOT to be kidding me! Cory I applaud you for handling this situation in such a good manner.

Cory is a class act. Mrs. McGuffin raised a murderer in her home. McGuffin and family have known all along that Nick was guilty as sin. They helped in the cover up of the cars, I think. Cory, you are a special LADY!!! Not someone like Mrs. McGuffin to actually speak to you like that., IMHO.

I am SOOOO angry!!!!! I cannot believe that woman spoke that way to Cory. She, that father and the "arrested" are trying to make it seem they are the victims here.....well someone needs to educate them that they are in NO WAY innocent victims.(where is my punch 'em, kick'em, slap 'em, stomp 'em, jail 'em icon)

Nick saying Leah was "the love of his life", I could just wash his mouth out for saying that, he shouldn't have the right to even utter her name. I hope there are lots of people close right there all the time to have Cory's back.

Cory is on the board now but won't be for long. She PM'd me to let everyone know she is going away for a few days to get some well-deserved R&R and away from the media frenzy. I can't say I blame her one iota. I bet she has hardly slept or eaten properly.

She said to tell everyone how much she loves us.

Take a nice, hot bath, light some candles (light them before you climb in the tub :tongue in chee ), have some nice vino handy and eat & sleep to your hearts content. A massage would probably do you wonders!!

We are so proud of you, Cory!

Cory, you are in our thoughts and prayers! Stay strong, lady, as I know you will...Get that rest that you so richly deserve...Enjoy and relax...

Poor FKR. I hope he burns in Hell, as well as the others involved. How could someone do such a horrible thing? That is just inhumane. Sick. Congrats Cory. You are awesome!!!! I'm pretty sure I would have to knock the shit out of his mother if she stood behind me and told me to cry all I want. I lose control very easily. Not purpossley, of course. Spelled wrong, but ya know what I mean.

“Cry all you want,” McGuffin told Courtwright. “My son is innocent.”


This brought tears to my eyes. When I am not sure just what to say or do I try to remember "What would Jesus do?"

I am sure Mrs. McGuffin wants to believe in her sons innocense but surely she would have some kind of compassion for Leah's mother who has lost her daughter forever.

I think Jesus would have liked it if Mrs. McGuffin would have extended an olive branch to this heartbroken mother and then quietly supported her own son.

Amazing the human spirit and how much we can hurt each other.

Jeanne, what a wonderful, caring post and avatar. You are just plain spectacular!

acuiriz, good to see you here. It took me a few seconds to figure out what FKR was. I thought at first it was someone's initals. The first thought that struck me was Franklin Roosevelt but know his middle name was w/a "D".
I am w/you on the knocking the crap out of her. But, Cory has faced a mountain and climbed it and is now sitting on top of it, so let this woman make a complete ass out of herself. She reminds me of Cindy.

Thank you Wrap. I looked for a special Avatar for Leah. This is how I picture her. Beautiful, happy and surely an angel of the Lord.

None of this can touch her anymore. She is above all earthly things.

Cory will need all the support she can get to get justice for her daughter. They both deserve that. Mother and daughter.

You just can't take anothers life.

I agree with every word you said, Jeanne.

The Mcguffin'e remind me all too much of the Vandersloot Family they are all a pact like The Anthony's. I expect them to defend their son, but to go off on a Mother who lost her daughter, possibly at the hands of their son, is just Despicable!!!!

McGuffin wasn’t the only one trying to keep it together. Outside the courtroom, Freeman’s mother, Cory Courtwright, stood at the front of a line of people waiting to enter until the 28-year-old accused of murdering her daughter had been seated. When she spotted him, she started to shake too, and to sob.

“I was staring at the man that’s believed to be my daughter’s killer,” Courtwright said later. “I couldn’t hardly look at him. I nearly fainted.”

Behind her was McGuffin’s mother, Kathleen, who is convinced her son had nothing to do with Freeman’s death.

“Cry all you want,” McGuffin told Courtwright. “My son is innocent.”

“Don’t talk to me,” Courtwright shot back. “Don’t ever talk to me again.”

Cory you are a very very strong woman!!! i wish we could've all been there for you!

She knows we have her back--but it would be really wonderful if we could be there in person to lift her above.

I talked to Cory VIA texting, she is glad to get out of town for a bit! She really wants everyone here to know she is so thankful for EVERYONE here at VH! She also said she will be OK!!

We love you Cory! Get some serious Rest and RELAXATION! I wish there was something more I could do!!

The Casey Anthony legacy - the strident defense by the parents of the accused. I shudder to think whats coming in this case. Even if she thinks her son is innocent that was no way to speak to the mother of a murdered child.

I am glad to hear Cory is getting away. Wonderful news!

After 10 years of keeping the hunt for her daughter's killer alive, the mother of a Coquille teen killed in the summer of 2000 has been on an emotional roller-coaster since an arrest was announced on August 23rd.

That night, there were smiles and tears after word arrived that a Grand Jury had indicted Leah Freeman's boyfriend at the time, Nicholas McGuffin, on a charge of murder.
He has consistently proclaimed his innocence, and Coos County District Attorney Paul Frasier admits that there is still a long legal road ahead, but for Cory Courtright it was still a welcome sign that her hard work had paid-off.
"I often wonder," says Courtright, "you know, would what I do, all the vigils and fighting for her justice, you know, what would she think? And I think...I think this is what she would want me to do."
At McGuffin's court arraignment the mood was much more somber, as Courtright came face to face with the man police believe killed her daughter and she started to brace herself for the emotional days yet to come.
She says though, that she finds strength in family and friends, and in the memory of her "spunky" little girl. "She was just so cute to watch all the time. With her sports, she would get out there and do her sports and the crowd would just laugh at her. You know, she loved to make people laugh, she loved to laugh herself but I think it made her even happier to make other people laugh."
So, for her daughter, she keeps pressing on until someone is brought to justice for Leah's murder.
As for McGuffin, he did plead Not Guilty and while his family declined to speak on camera with KCBY they did say they believe him to be innocent of the crime.

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Rainbow wrote:

"BJ in OR": Bruce McGuffin was then and is now certain his boy is innocent, he said in an interview with The Register-Guard.
“I would have been the first one who would have turned him in if I knew he did it,” McGuffin said.
Leah and Nick were deeply in love and planned to get married, Bruce McGuffin said. She helped his son get off drugs, and basically lived with the McGuffin family for the last three months of her life, McGuffin added.
“She was a princess. She was like our own kid,” he said. “You don’t go killing your own kids.”

What is he talking about?!? No one is accusing him of killing Leah, it is his son who is the accused!!

I think I will put this definition I found here, seems to fit, JMO....

Freudian slip

NOUN:

A verbal mistake that is thought to reveal an unconscious belief, thought, or emotion.

Thanks for the notification, BJ! I will be sure to watch it... and they better not cancel it this time!!

Thanks for the heads up on the 20/20 show. I am babysitting both my little grand daughters this Friday but I will make sure they are in bed so I can watch this show!

My Mom has been waiting for me to tell her when it is on.

Justice for Leah!!!

The World has two good pieces up, the first reveals more specifics about the process of bringing charges against Nicholas McGuffin and moving forward.

Although McGuffin hopes to be released while he awaits trial, Frasier said he can’t recall a single case in his 26 years in prosecution in which a judge released a homicide suspect on his own recognizance.

He also said a motion for a change of venue from the defense would be expected in such a case. However, he has withheld information – including Leah’s cause of death – to improve prospects of gathering an impartial and fair jury.

“The more I talk about the facts – the more people learn – it becomes harder to pick a fair and impartial jury,” Frasier said.

The second article also takes note
of the exchange between McGuffin’s mother and Cory Courtright, mother of the victim.

On Tuesday prior to McGuffin’s arraignment, Courtright was waiting outside Judge Michael Gillespie’s courtroom when she saw corrections officers lead McGuffin to the defendant’s table. She began to shake and cry.

From behind her, Kathleen McGuffin – the defendant’s mother – said, “Cry all you want, Cory, he’s innocent,” in front of family members and some reporters.
More details on Leah Freeman case and prosecution
“Don’t talk to me ever,” Courtright recalled responding.

Thank goodness I am not the only person writing about or recording the arraignment to witness it. This makes three different references to the exchange besides this blog so clearly I am not alone in questioning the conduct of Kathleen McGuffin.

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Leah Freeman Update: Nicholas McGuffin Pleads Not Guilty, Says "I'm Not a Flight Risk"

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Color me confused But I thought Nick did NOT make a plea Tuesday?? Is this bad reporting or am I in the dark???

The news media is reporting that Nick pleaded not guilty, Aimi.....but I wasn't there.

The man charged with murder in the decade-old slaying of 15-year-old Leah Freeman in Coquille pleaded not guilty at his arraignment Tuesday in Coos County.
The Register-Guard reports 28-year-old Nicholas James McGuffin cried as he was led into the courtroom.

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There were tears on both sides as Nicholas McGuffin, the man charged in the decade-old murder of his former girlfriend Leah Freeman, was led into court Tuesday for his arraignment with tears streaming down his cheeks. Behind him, Leah's mother sat shaking and sobbing as McGuffin pleaded not guilty to her daughter's murder.

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Here is is again.

Nick McGuffin pleaded not guilty on Tuesday, in front of a row of stone- and red-faced observers the judge ordered to leave in separate groups after the proceeding had concluded.

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The man charged with murder in the decade-old slaying of 15-year-old Leah Freeman in Coquille pleaded not guilty at his arraignment Tuesday in Coos County.

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I wonder why Cory didn't mention this and it's just now coming out two days later?????

BJ, you crack me up. "I was not there". Are we EVER there????

Aimi, I am not laughing at you..only BJ' comment. I feel the same.. WTF??

I wasn't there.....Ron Cummings was at work....... whatever.

Justice for Leah Please be aware that 20/20 will indeed not be airing their story on the Leah Freeman case this Friday. Because so much is happening in regards to the case right now they are holding off until they have everything they need for a comprehensive report. The air date is TBD and we will let you know when they schedule immediately upon receiving that information.
2 hours ago

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mommyof3kids wrote:Color me confused But I thought Nick did NOT make a plea Tuesday?? Is this bad reporting or am I in the dark???

I thought that was the purpose of an arraignment...the defendant is formally read the charges against him and enters his plea; guilty, not guilty or no contest.

PS...I was not there either, proof.. head of a certain mother is still attached.

Lage said:

PS...I was not there either, proof.. head of a certain mother is still attached.

Wrapitup wrote:Lage said:

PS...I was not there either, proof.. head of a certain mother is still attached.

:lol!:

[quote="laga"]

mommyof3kids wrote:PS...I was not there either, proof.. head of a certain mother is still attached.

Laga, you are hilarious!!

BJ, thanks for letting us know about the cancelled 20/20!

It's disappointing, but I guess there is just too much going on with the case. Better to wait until they have all the info they need!

I don't mind being the brunt of a joke :lol!: Let's just call it yet another "Aimism" , But I know I heard on the news the night after the arraignment that he did not enter a plea at this time.... I must be going Crazy Or maybe my brain is creating stories of it's own??

I was looking forward to watching the 20/20 report. Hopefully they air it soon.

I read that his attorney entered a not guilty plea for him in the first reports after his arraingment

Sorry about the erroneous report on Leah's Facebook fan page about the 20/20 piece airing tomorrow. I spoke with one of the producers today and in light of everything that is happening right now, they want to be sure to include it all in the story and that is why the air date is TBD. I will be sure to let you know when that changes.

Nick's bail hearing is scheduled for next Thursday and if you, or anyone you know, wants to appeal to the Judge and request that his bail not be reduced PLEASE do so before the trial date. All letters should be sent to:

Judge Michael Gillespie
Coos County Courthouse
250 North Baxter Street
Coquille, OR 97423

The more letters the Judge receives on behalf of Justice for Leah Freeman, the better!

You got it and it will be in the mail tomorrow.

Michelle, Thank you for all you are doing to help Cory. I am happy you spoke w/one of the producers. I would rather they hold off and have all their ducks in a row before airing the special. Have you had any confirmation if it will be an hour or two??

Letter will be sent to the above address. Again, Thank YOU for sharing it. I just hope our mail reaches Judge Gillespie in time.

Aimi, you are NOT going crazy. I never heard a plea either. Also, read Ste1977's post.

Ste1977 wrote:I was looking forward to watching the 20/20 report. Hopefully they air it soon.

I read that his attorney entered a not guilty plea for him in the first reports after his arraingment

Do you have a link to what you read? It is a requirement here at VH. If I do not instill this rule, anyone can make statements w/out a link as proof.

PLEASE don't take this personally. You are new here and maybe you haven't read the rules. Also, I am well aware of what you have gone through and am extremely happy you are here and that your case(s) w/be re-opened.

Thank you in advance for the link!

:high five:

Sure. I thought they had all been posted. This one if from The World - our hometown newspaper. [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

It says "Eugene defense attorney Shaun McCrea entered a not-guilty plea for her defendant, who could face a mandatory life imprisonment sentence with a 25-year minimum."

I am not sure what all the confusion is about but the way I understand it, whether his attorney spoke the words for him or he spoke them himself, it was stated in front of the court and on the record that he claims he is not guilty of the charges. Therefore, in my opinion, he is stating he is ready for a trial.

As far as getting out on bond....he's been free for 10 years while Cory and family suffered not knowing if justice for precious Leah would ever occur. I would have made the bond a $googleplex plus one.

I'm hoping that they don't reduce his bail but the truth is that they might. Hopefully Cory and everyone is prepared if that happens. However reducing his bail still does not mean that he will be able to get out on bond. His family would have to come up with a sizable percentage and then find a bail bond that would be willing to cover the rest of it.

When we had bail reduced in Angie's case from 5 million to 2.5 million it was hard knowing that the judge had reduced the bail even though we knew that she would never get out on bail. Very emotionally trying when it happens

Tears flow at arraignment

By Jessica Musicar, Staff Writer | Posted: Wednesday, August 25, 2010 11:00 am | (12)

World Photo by Benjamin Brayfield
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Nicholas J. McGuffin wipes tears from his eyes Tuesday at his arraignment by Coos County Circuit Court Judge Michael Gillespie. McGuffin was arrested Monday near his Greenacres home and was charged with murdering Leah Freeman. McGuffin was Freeman’s boyfriend for eight months before she went missing in June 2000.

COQUILLE - He sat at the defendant's table.
She among her friends and family.
Yet Nick McGuffin and Cory Courtright shared one thing at the 28-year-old's Tuesday arraignment - their tears.
He cried before the hearing. He cried when Judge Michael Gillespie read the murder indictment, and he cried when he left the courtroom.
Courtright, upon entering the room, set her teary eyes on McGuffin, sobbed and shielded her face with her hands.
For the remainder of the hearing she stared disgustedly at the man she believes killed her 15-year-old daughter a decade ago.
‘It's your turn'
"It's your turn buddy. I've cried for 10-plus years," Courtright said of McGuffin after the hearing.
"‘I hope you cry for the rest of your life.' That's what I'd say to him."
Gillespie arraigned McGuffin on a grand jury indictment charging one count of murder in connection with Leah Freeman's homicide on or around June 28, 2000. He was 18.
The judge also set McGuffin's bail at $2 million.
Eugene defense attorney Shaun McCrea entered a not-guilty plea for her defendant, who could face a mandatory life imprisonment sentence with a 25-year minimum.
The judge also set a Sept. 2 bail reduction or release hearing, followed by a status hearing at 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 11 in family court.
‘I'm not a flight risk'
Red-faced and gaunt in an orange Coos County jail jumpsuit, McGuffin sniffled as the judge asked if he had any questions.
"Just for trying to get the ... for letting us try to get the bail reduced," McGuffin told Gillespie.
"I'm not a flight risk and I'm just a family man and I work hard."
Following the hearing, Gillespie directed Court-right's family and McGuffin's supporters to leave separately and in different directions to avoid a confrontation.
Coos County District Attorney R. Paul Frasier said the two families have exhibited some hostility.
"In this case, obviously it's been going on a long time," Frasier said.
"So the emotions are probably higher than the average run-of-the-mill case we have in the courthouse."
The DA said it's no surprise the McGuffin family believes he's innocent.
Impartial jury
Although McGuffin hopes to be released while he awaits trial, Frasier said he can't recall a single case in his 26 years in prosecution in which a judge released a homicide suspect on his own recognizance.
He also said a motion for a change of venue from the defense would be expected in such a case. However, he has withheld information - including Leah's cause of death - to improve prospects of gathering an impartial and fair jury.
"The more I talk about the facts - the more people learn - it becomes harder to pick a fair and impartial jury," Frasier said.
"The test is not ‘Have you heard about this case?' The test is, ‘Has what you heard ... given you an opinion on what the outcome of the case should be and you're not going to change your mind no matter what happens in the courtroom?'"
Frasier went on to say that there are rumors McGuffin had accomplices. However, no evidence supports that. He added that the statute of limitations for someone who has aided in the commission or concealment of a crime is only three years.
"But if somebody thinks they have the goods on somebody, I'd certainly like to hear about it."
Grand jury delays
Frasier said the arrest didn't occur earlier because, in Oregon, a case involving a suspect in custody must go before a grand jury within five days to receive an indictment. Without one, the suspect must be released.
Frasier said it would have been difficult to present his 113 witnesses in such a short time span.
Also, the grand jury could have returned the indictment as early as Aug. 11 when Frasier finished presenting witnesses, but members decided to put off deliberation to another date because it was too late in the day.
Jurors' schedules didn't agree until Monday, when Frasier returned from a week-long visit to the National Advocacy Center in South Carolina, where he served on the faculty for a trial advocacy class for new prosecutors.
He had committed to the class in January.
10-year frustration
The Leah Freeman case is by far the oldest case Frasier has prosecuted. He's been involved in it since the beginning.
About a week after Leah disappeared, law enforcement activated the major crimes team, and Frasier - then a chief deputy DA - was asked to join.
A grand jury was convened to determine Leah's whereabouts before her body was discovered near Fairview 37 days after her disappearance.
Another gathered to review the case and McGuffin's involvement, but it issued no indictments.
"Everybody was in agreement; we just didn't have enough evidence," Frasier said.
"I've had lots of cases in my career - whether it be a theft case or whatever - where I'm pretty sure I know who did it but I just can't prove it.
"That's always frustrating. But it was frustrating especially in this case."
Reporter Jessica Musicar can be reached at 541-269-1222, ext. 240; or at [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.].

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Thanks so much, Ste1977!!!!!

I'm sending a letter to the judge today to implore him to *not* grant this (alleged) murderer a lower bail. My letter will be for Leah and for Cory and I hope the judge does the *right* thing and does not lower bail for the man who (allegedly) snuffed out poor Leah's life ten + years ago.
He's a whine a**, he's spineless and not for a second do I believe he is remorseful or he would have shown it ten + years ago. He's crying for himself because he's a spoiled rotten baby and he's scared.
I am beyond outraged that his Mother spoke to Cory in the manner that she did. Cory, you have so much more class than I do, I think I would have slapped her silly.

Amen, raine1953. He is crying because he finally got caught. I cannot imagine how he lived with himself these past 10 years. How he could even look at himself in the mirror. And his mother.....a first class bitch with zero heart. She would have been better to simply keep her mouth shut.