FLINN SAYS HE "WATCHED" NEPTUNE COMMIT MURDER

(03/09/2007)
Roger Flinn's re-trail is wrapping up in Wirt County.

Roger Flinn, who has been charged with a Wirt County double murder, says he merely stood in the doorway, witnessing Daniel Neptune shoot Russell Eastham and Sylvia Fittro in their home.

Russell Eastham looks at Daniel Neptune and says, "Get your gun and get the hell out"," Flinn testified yesterday.

Flinn said "He (Neptune) just pulled out the gun and started shooting."

Flinn told the court he feared for his life, a statement the prosecution contested.

Flinn's attorney pointed to Neptune's inconsistent statements about the shooting and its aftermath.

Prosecutor Leslie Maze characterized Flinn as intimidating Eastham, who threatened to report a fight between the two to authorities, before the murder.

The prosecutor said "The defendant admitted he does things to intimidate his nephew...He intimidated his nephew Russell by making statements like 'I'm going to jail for a good reason'."

Flinn faces two counts of first degree murder, but he could also be convicted of second degree murder.