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Partin Jury Hears Prosecution's Opening

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By Todd Leskanic, The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 2, 2007

Previous Coverage: Suspect Called Himself A 'Dead Man'

NEW PORT RICHEY - Assistant State Attorney Michael Halkitis has wrapped up his opening statement in the murder trial of Phillup Alan Partin.

Defense attorney Bill Bennett will give his opening statement following the lunch recess.

Phillup Partin

Partin, 42, is charged in the 2002 slaying of 16-year-old Joshan Ashbrook of New Port Richey. He faces the death penalty if found guilty of first-degree murder. He has pleaded not guilty.

Ashbrook's half-naked body was found in the woods beside Shady Hills Road on Aug. 1, 2002. Partin became a suspect early in the investigation but wasn't charged until September 2003. He was arrested in Fayetteville, N.C., the following month.

In his opening, Halkitis told jurors Ashbrook had ligature marks on her wrists and ankles and stab wounds to her face and neck. Ashbrook died after her neck was dislocated as her attacker attempted to strangle her, Halkitis said.

Investigators said they were able to tie Partin to Ashbrook in a number of ways. DNA taken from a hair found embedded in a cut on Ashbrook's hand matched Partin, Halkitis said.

A surveillance camera at a Port Richey Wal-Mart showed Partin, Ashbrook and Partin's daughter entering the store about 24 hours before Ashbrook turned up dead, Halkitis said. A wildlife officer later saw the three fishing illegally and issued Partin a warning.

Halkitis also said investigators were able to determine that tire tracks found near Ashbrook's body could have been made by tires that were on Partin's Ford F-150 pickup at the time.

Reporter Todd Leskanic can be reached at (727) 815-1084 or tleskanic@tampatrib.com.

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