tatoo' may worsen my court case says accused murderer

Accused killer wants murder tattoo removed over worries it will prejudice his trial

Jeffrey Wade Chapman stands accused of the murder of Damon Galyardt (Picture: AP)

Ever regretted a tattoo? Jeffrey Wade Chapman definitely has.
He is currently standing trial for first degree murder in the United States and is worried his neck tattoo could negatively affect the jury’s verdict.
The inking is a large mirror image of the word ‘murder’ and he wants it removed by a professional tattoo artist.
However, local sheriff Brian Bellendir is refusing to let a tattoo artist visit the jail where Mr Chapman currently resides – the reason being that, according to Kansas state codes, no professional tattoo artists may perform inkings outside licensed premises for reasons related to cleanliness.
While Mr Chapman’s lawyers argue that without it being removed the impartiality of the jury cannot be guaranteed.
State prosecutors claim he could simply cover the tattoo with ‘clothing, a bandage or other means compliant with jail policy’.
He is due to stand trial next week for the 2011 murder of 25-year-old Damon Galyardt.