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Murder trial in death of Irish emigrant begins in California

Wife of late John O’Sullivan alleges death threats

Published Monday, October 11, 2010, 7:15 AM
Updated Thursday, October 14, 2010, 5:41 PM

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John O'Sullivan and his family
John O'Sullivan and his family


Read more - Murdered Irishman John Michael O’Sullivan's wife loses home in California

Read more - Murdered Kerry man's family fears they may lose California home

Ken Zimmerman is on trial in Amador Superior Court in northern California accused of the murder of Irish man John O’Sullivan.

In August of last year, fourteen months ago, John O'Sullivan was found dead in his tractor with shotgun wounds in his back. His neighbour Ken Zimmerman, with whom he had recently had an argument, was arrested and charged with homicide.

According to evidence heard at the trial, O’Sullivan had rammed through Zimmerman's locked gate and assaulted him before the fatal shooting.

O’Sullivan’s wife, Krista Clem, has alleged intimidation of her and her family during the course of the trial.

Speaking to the Sunday Tribune, she said, “We were getting a lot of noise coming out of the front and we took it to the shop and found out that all of the lug nuts on one of the wheels except one had been taken off; all except the one that you need a key for.”

“I had all the death threats on the phone. As time went on we showed up [to court] every morning and didn't confront anyone or interact or react to anything on the other side,” she said. “We were doing the very opposite. They were being very provocative and speaking to the jury and the witnesses.”

O’Sullivan was from Valentia Island, Co Kerry, and emigrated to the USA in the early 1980s. He married Clem in 2006 and had two step-children, Lydia and Jacob, as well as 16-month-old Tessie and 3-year-old Michael Seamus.  

The trial will continue this week.

Read more - Murdered Irishman John Michael O’Sullivan's wife loses home in California

Read more - Murdered Kerry man's family fears they may lose California home

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5 Comments

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Seanmor | Dec 09, 2010, 11:33 AM EST
I'd like to know Temirity's definition of an "Irish temper".

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Temerity | Oct 16, 2010, 12:39 AM EDT
It seems O Sullivan was under stress financially and could have handled the dispute regarding the gate a lot better than he did.He had the usual reputation of a hot headed Irish temper .However Zimmerman seems to have had the power over the gate and behaved in a high handed manner. I get the impression he is no longer a young man and probably was unnerved by the Irishman's aggressive manner. He had no right to use a gun under any circumstances and should be convicted.Whatever his provocation he had no right to resort to firearms.There is no way surely he can be exonerated?

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IrishTierney | Oct 11, 2010, 12:56 PM EDT
Ken Zimmerman is a piece of excrement. I say hang 'em and hang 'em high. Send a message to others that murder will not be tolerated in our society.

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IrishTierney | Oct 11, 2010, 12:41 PM EDT
Ken Zimmerman is a low-life piece of s**t! I say hang 'em and hang 'em high. Set an example for others. The act of murder will not be tolerated in our society.

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Searlit | Oct 11, 2010, 11:47 AM EDT
Very sad. How cowardly to shoot someone in the back.

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