Even Without Paycheck, Judge Takes His Time

A judge who is to decide today whether a Boise killer lives or dies has gone four months without a paycheck because he is so far behind on the case.

Idaho requires judges to dispose of cases within 30 days after all hearings have been completed or the judges do not get paid.

Designed to speed the judicial process, the rule is not working with 4th District Judge Thomas Neville. He has had the case under consideration since August.

Neville is to sentence Richard Allen Dunn to execution or to life in prison for throwing a Boise man into Mores Creek from a cliff near the high bridge on state Highway 21.

The crime occurred Nov. 20, 1995. Dunn was convicted 11 months later on Oct. 30, 1996. A sentencing hearing was held in August, and the case has been awaiting Neville’s decision ever since.

Three paychecks, totaling more than $20,000, are waiting.

“I know he’s hurting for money,” 4th District Administrative Judge Robert Newhouse said. “I feel sorry for him. He’s a good, hard-working judge.”