Jennings’ release has renewed focus on the role Parris, well-known attorney and powerful political figure in the Antelope Valley, played in the original case. Parris, who has served as mayor of Lancaster since 2008, said he believes his role in the prosecution was negligible. Testy sworn interviews Parris conducted with Jennings were used in the murder trial Los Angeles prosecutors ultimately brought against him. Legal experts said Parris’ level of involvement was unusual for a civil attorney in a homicide case but that advocating for a prosecution is not improper. Attorney R. Rex Parris, now the mayor of Lancaster, represented the family of Michelle O'Keefe in a civil lawsuit against the security guard who was later convicted of murder.

Source: Los Angeles Times September 11, 2016 12:00 UTC