Colin Ferguson Trial
January 26-February 17, 1995
The Case
-
Ferguson acted as his own attorney & tried to prove that someone else committed the crimes. Ferguson claimed that an unidentified white man was the killer but escaped.
Ferguson was riding on a train when he calmly stood up, walked down the aisle, and began to shoot each person he passed. Ferguson killed 6 people while 19 others were seriously injured.
While arresting Ferguson, the police found notes in his pockets that said how much he hated Caucasians, Asians, and "Uncle Tom Negroes".
While in court, Ferguson wore a bulletproof vest under his suit and was speaking in third person to support his case, "Mr. Ferguson was awakened by the gunfire and, amid the confusion, sought to protect himself". Ferguson claimed that he fell asleep and his gun was stolen.
The Verdict
Ferguson was accussed guilty on 68 of 93 counts for murder, attempted murder, assault, reckless endangerment, and possession of weapons.
The Sentence
Colin Ferguson was sentenced to 6 consecutive 25-years-to-life terms for his murder conviction. He was also sentenced to 19 additional 25-year sentences for each count of attempted murder.